Structure, shape and surface morphology of the material are directly determined by the substrate and growth method used for material fabrication of nanostructured metal oxides. Those characteristics play a crucial role in the photocatalytic activity of the material. This paper presents a short review of some of the most recent relevant publications regarding pure and doped nanostructured metal oxides used for photocatalytic applications focusing on the structure, shape and surface morphology of the material effects on photocatalytic activity. The cases of TiO₂, ZnO and CuO metal oxides as well as various semiconductors and metal doping were reviewed. It was concluded that, according to the reviewed communications, the most important surface parameters affecting photocatalytic activity are surface area, surface to volume ratio, nanocrystallites size and crystallinity regardless the material. In particular, for each material, more surface parameters may be of significance.