Because of small size，large specific surface area，nanomaterial exhibited good mechanical，magnetic，electrical， thermal，optical and chemical properties，and was widely used in the field of petroleum exploration and development. By combing nanomaterial in the description of formation parameter，fracturing process and oilfield wastewater treatment，etc.，the research progress of nanomaterial in the key areas of petroleum exploration and development was summarized，and the future research trending of low cost was expected. Nanomaterial could be used as new sensor and intelligent robot in oil and gas exploration and development process for data monitoring and analysis，as additive in drilling and fracturing process，and to prepare nanocatalytic membrane for oilfield wastewater treatment. The application of nanomaterial could solve some of the problems of existing oil exploitation and improve the recovery of unconventional oil and gas resource