This invention provides a process for making a polyfunctional starburst-shaped fullerene derivative for use as a matrix-reinforcing agent for mesoporous and other porous materials. This invention can include the formation of a highly soluble example of such a derivative from a fullerene and a bifunctional coupling agent. A solution of said matrix-reinforcing agent can be prepared and then applied to a material while the material is still in a process of formation, or the agent can be applied to an already formed solid material. Porous films and bodies containing such a matrix-reinforcing agent can exhibit improved mechanical properties, and can be produced using equipment and techniques common and available to those skilled in the art of porous materials preparations.