OICC Press Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry 2193-8865 8 3 (September 2018) 2018 09 03 A review on the progress of nanostructure materials for energy harnessing and environmental remediation 10.1007/s40097-018-0278-1 EN Ankita Rani Environmental Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (ISM), Dhanbad, Jharkhand, 826004, IN Rajesh Reddy Environmental Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (ISM), Dhanbad, Jharkhand, 826004, IN Uttkarshni Sharma Environmental Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (ISM), Dhanbad, Jharkhand, 826004, IN Priya Mukherjee Environmental Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (ISM), Dhanbad, Jharkhand, 826004, IN Priyanka Mishra Environmental Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (ISM), Dhanbad, Jharkhand, 826004, IN Aneek Kuila Environmental Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (ISM), Dhanbad, Jharkhand, 826004, IN Lan Ching Sim Department of Chemical Engineering, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang, 43000, MY Pichiah Saravanan Environmental Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (ISM), Dhanbad, Jharkhand, 826004, IN Journal Article 2018 09 03 Abstract The nanostructured materials offer various advantages as they provide more flexible space for ease reconstruction, as their nanosize expands the limits and results in confinement effect, enhanced mechanical stability, and large surface area, and make them suitable for photocatalytic activities. The advancement in synthesis techniques provides the freedom to alter its physical properties as per the demand. This article provides a 360° view point on the nanomaterials which are used for solar energy harnessing with respect to environmental and energy application. The discussion emphasizes on various synthesis methods of nanostructured materials, their mechanistic features, usage in demanding applications such as photosplitting of water for hydrogen production, artificial photosynthesis, and water and wastewater treatment with an endnote highlighting the future scope of nanomaterials for real-world applications. Graphical abstract