In the present times, the hybrids, smart hybrid, ceramic, organic-inorganic hybrid, carbon allotropes, polymeric, carbon dots (CDs) and heteroatom-doped CDs, graphene (G)/graphene oxide (GO), carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs/MWCNTs), quantum dots, mesoporous inorganic, MXenes, metal oxides, inorganic nanoparticles, silica and their derivatives mostly used surface-functionalized nanomaterials. The surface treatments of nanomaterials are important because various unique functions such as the hydrophobic performance, corrosion prevention potential, dispersibility, solubility and other various functional properties were enhanced. The surface functionalization was done by the covalent and noncovalent interactions. This modification depends on various factors such as the functional groups attached on the surface, surfactant nature, preparation methods, pH, solution temperature and other physical properties.