A nanocomposite precursor comprises a plurality of nanoparticles homogeneously dispersed in an organic binder precursor. The nanocomposite precursor is useful for forming a nanocomposite, suitable for use as a protective coating, wherein the plurality of nanoparticles is homogeneously dispersed in an organic binder. The nanoparticles comprise Ti/Sb mixed oxide nanoparticles containing a rutile-like crystalline phase, wherein the ensemble average rutile-like crystalline phase content of the Ti/Sb mixed oxide nanoparticles is at least 20 weight percent, and wherein the weight ratio of antimony to titanium in the Ti/Sb mixed oxide nanoparticles is in a range of from at least 0.42 up to and including 2.93.