The engineering of novel membranes through fabrication and modification using engineered nanoscale materials (ENMs) presents tremendous opportunity within desalination and water treatment In this paper, we present an overview of the applications of ENMs to organic polymeric membranes and desalination. The review will examine the motivation for introducing ENMs into polymeric membranes identifying how the characteristics of the ENMs, such as high surface area to volume ratio and mechanical strength, can be used to optimise and tailor membranes for particular applications. The overview will include ENM's classification, incorporation strategies and how their properties impact on the surface characteristics, robustness, functionality, morphologies and anti-fouling properties of polymeric membranes. The review will also feature discussion on the current issues facing the development and commercialization of nanocomposite membrane that harness the benefits of ENMs. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.