The novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic (COVID-19) brought a serious threat to the development of human society and the health of human beings. Due to the stability of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in urban sewage, which has become one of the virus pollution sources, it has been focused on how to eliminate the existing virus in water. SARS-CoV-2 structurally consists of RNA chains and protein capsids, and thus can be inactivated via reactive oxygen species (ROS) attack. Moreover, block of biochemical metabolism and destruction of virus structure are also effective inactivation methods for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation. Nanomaterials exhibit surface and interface effects, specific microstructure and excellent physicochemical properties, implying their high application potential in SARS-CoV-2 inactivation. In this study, we overall review application of nanotechnologies for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation, including photocatalysis, heterogeneous catalytic oxidation, ion toxicity induced inactivation, and structural effects inactivation method. Furthermore, based on the structural composition, as well as survival and transmission characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 in water environment, the application potential of various nanotechnologies for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation are deeply discussed. This study can provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for the application of nanotechnology for the SARS-CoV-2 inactivation and the secondary transmission interruption in water.