A composition and method for fabricating graphitic nanocomposites in solid state matrices is presented. The process for fabricating graphitic nanocomposites in solid state matrices may include first selecting one or a mixture of specific graphitic nanomaterials, functionalizing preferably by covalent bonding with a moiety similar to the building blocks of the solid state matrices. Secondly, the functionalized graphitic nanomaterials are mixed with the building blocks of the solid state matrices, preferably sol-gel chemicals comprising at least an alkoxysilane or metal oxide precursor. Thirdly, the in situ formation of the sol-gel solid state matrices by curing entraps and/or covalently links with the graphitic nanomaterials during the network growing process. This process allows the nanomaterials to be introduced into the matrices homogeneously without forming large aggregations.