This work provides a current, critical view of the application of MAss-
selective Neutron SpEctroscopy (MANSE) to nanocomposite materials. MANSE is a
unique technique made possible owing to the existence of the pulsed neutron sources.
At present, the only operating MANSE spectrometer in the world, VESUVIO, is
located at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source in the UK. We start by providing a
brief description of the neutron Compton scattering, the anatomy of a mass-selective
neutron spectrometer, and the experimental data treatment. We continue by briefly
outlining the main quantum mechanical concepts, models and approximations relevant
both to the ab initio prediction and experimental measurement of main MANSE
observables. Next, we present several recent exemplars chosen to highlight the use of
MANSE in the field of nanocomposites. Our examples include, in chronological order,
encapsulated nanoparticles in amorphous silica gel, bioactive glass-ionomer cement,
Cu-Ti-C composites, and sodium carboxymethyl starch-based binders in the presence
of a mineral matrix. We close by providing our view of the ongoing and future
challenges and opportunities in the mass-selective neutron investigation of NQEs in
nanocomposite materials.