Photo-oxidation processes assisted by nanosized semiconductors are receiving increasing attention due to their potential application in environmental field. The ability to exploit the strong potential of photoactive nanomaterials and access their properties relies on the ability to integrate them in photo-reactors and to effectively deposit them on large surfaces. Such a strategy can bridge the gap between the nanoscopic and mesoscopic scale and avoiding nanoparticle release in the environment. In order to integrate nanopartides in functional structures and, finally, devices, their incorporation in suitable host matrices is crucial to achieve processable nanocomposite materials. Here, a comprehensive overview on the preparation of photocatalytic nanocomposite materials and their application for pollutants degradation will be provided. In particular, we will focus on modern synthetic approaches to synthetize UV and visible light active nanocatalysts, on their post-synthesis surface functionalization and on their incorporation in suitable host matrices toward nanocomposite preparation. Finally, some examples from recent literature on their application in environmental remediation and as bactericidal and self-cleaning coatings will be reported. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.