The separation of propylene/propane is a challenging and energy-intensive process because of the similar sizes and chemical properties of propylene and propane. As an energy-efficient technology in gas separation, pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process requires porous materials with selective adsorption properties. This article reviewed the research process of adsorbents for the separation of propyl-ene/propane and mainly introduced the molecular sieve, carbon molecular sieve and metal organic frame-works (MOFs). The main factors which will influence the behaviors of the adsorbents were elabo-rated and the advantages and disadvantages of several adsorbents were compared. The appropriate adsorbent should be selected according to the actual application scenario, the composition of the raw gas, the relative content of propylene and propane, and the actual working conditions of the adsorbent. Finally, the development of the adsorbent for propylene/propane separation and their application in practice are prospected.