Methods for forming peptide derivatives using functional moieties and peptide derivatives are provided. Further, methods for using peptide derivatives to form silicon-based composite materials and silicon-based composite materials formed thereby are provided. The silicon-based composite materials may have features on the nanoscale, and the materials may exhibit characteristics derived from the functional moieties on the peptide derivatives. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that is will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.