Capacitive deionization is an alternative approach for desalination using nanomaterial modified porous electrodes. The review presents the current progress of capacitive deionization electrodes prepared from nanoparticle oxides, carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon nanofibers, and nonporous carbon cloth. The synthesis and benefits of nanomaterial electrodes for capacitive deionization electrode are discussed. The application of these nanomaterials for capacitive deionization has been shown to improve electrosorption and efficiency for salt removal compared to activated carbon electrodes.