This technology relates to nanofilled polymeric materials with a tunable refractive index without increased scattering or loss. The tunability allows the creation of hybrid nanocomposites that combine the advantages of organic polymers (low weight, flexibility, good impact resistance, and excellent processability) and inorganic materials (high refractive index, good chemical resistance and high thermal stability). The impact of these tunable materials include better light extraction efficiency, focusing of light, encapsulant materials with controlled index of refraction and phosphorescence. Applications for this technology include: light emitting diodes, filters, lenses, reflectors, optical waveguides, optical adhesives and antireflection films.