The fast-evolving world of nanotechnology captivates researchers in the state-of-the-art water desalination technologies. Rapid development and advancement have been reflected by a drastically increasing number of scientific investigation on the manipulation of nanomaterials in various desalination technologies. With demand rising in worldwide, the revolution of desalination technology using CNT materials to mitigate few raised over concerns, particularly energy issues, seems a viable option. In this context, this review article intends to provide an in-depth insight on the utilization of CNTs to heighten the performance of the available seawater and brackish water desalination in a holistic manner. The transport properties and chemical functionalities of this novel material to potentially facilitate excellent flux of water transport and salt rejection are outlined. Based on the computational and experimental work done over the past decade, a detailed description on the current knowledge relevant to the exploitation of CNTs in desalination has been highlighted. The current hurdles and future challenges related to this technology are then addressed. With novel properties come new opportunities for technological and commercial development. The applications of CNTs in desalination have been demonstrated and it is anticipated that applying CNTs in desalination holds very promising future prospects and will therefore lead the future direction of the realm. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.