This feature article gives an overview of the research performed on ionic nanoparticle networks (INNs). These INNs are hybrid materials consisting of inorganic nanoparticles and ionic linkers, such as imidazolium, bisimidazolium or pyridinium. The synthesis and properties of INNs, for catalysis or sensorics, are presented. At each step INN materials are compared to other hybrid materials of similar composition such as ionogels or suspensions of imidazolium modified nanoparticles.