<p>Nanoscale structures fabricated through controlled self-assembly possessed a potential for the fabrication of advanced materials with wide range of applications. The particles’ self-organization with sophisticated form shows excellent attributes like shapes, tunable sizes and dimensions with multilayered structures, which results in enormous multifunctionality. Considering this framework, controlled self-assembly of binary systems with adaptive structures is an encouraging strategy, which attained much attention to persist studying at the boundaries, resulting in advanced materials and devices. The present review assessed the advanced developments in the field of self-assembly of binary systems in active media frameworks, which has attracted attention owing to its possible uses in nanotechnology, material sciences, along with associated research domains. A self-assembly process can be defined as an organization of readily available components into a desired structure. Therefore, diverse types of entities are integrated to enhance the density and functionality of such structures. Furthermore, herein various methods for self-assembly of binary systems are exhibited, which describes the stimulus of interactions among intermolecular forces, external forces and bonding within diverse types of entities. Additionally, advanced methods for controlling and operating these systems, including structures, morphology, and stability, emphasize the alleviating effect for active frameworks. Finally, future challenges and opportunities in optimizing self-assembly of binary systems are outlined, emphasizing the potential for improvements in the design for numerous responsive and adaptive materials.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>