Due to the unique chemical and physical properties, using nanoscale materials to enhance plant photosynthesis and stress tolerance has rapidly developed. Numerous studies have shown that nanoparticles can be efficiently delivered to plants via root application and foliar sprays. In our studies, we have applied nanoparticles with distinct properties to enhance drought stress tolerance and to improve photosynthesis via both uptake pathways. Mesoporous silicon dioxide nanoparticles (MSNs) at various concentrations were tested in vitro on Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings under optimal and PEG-simulated drought conditions. Treatment with MSNs resulted in enhancement of seed germination, primary root length, lateral root numbers, leaf area, and shoot biomass. MSNs with highly porous properties could play multiple roles to enhance water and nutrient uptake and trigger signalling pathways, thereby contributing to sustained and increased plant growth under drought stress. On the other hand, we also synthesized a novel 2D nanosheet material, hydrogen-doped MoO3 that has the ability to absorb visible and near-infrared light to produce hot electrons. These properties provide great potential for enhancing plant photosynthesis. To develop optimal nanoparticle formulations for effective foliar sprays, we then used synchrotron macro ATR-FTIR as a fast, non-destructive and in vivo method to capture chemical mapping information of a surfactant-treated maize (Zea mays) leaf. These insights into the interaction between surfactants and the leaf surface is an essential step to increasing uptake and target photosynthesis improvement. In summary, nanoparticles with tunable properties offer a promising alternative to current genetic-based strategies for enhancing photosynthesis and plant stress responses.