UiO-66 is a typical Zr-based metal-organic framework with large surface area, high porosity, and adjustable micro-pore size and is easily functionalized. Unlike most MOFs, UiO-66 exhibits excellent chemical stability, mechanical stability, thermal stability and water resistance, indicating great application prospect in the fields of adsorption and catalysis. In this paper, the synthesis methods of UiO-66 were introduced in detail, including solvothermal, mechanochemical, microwave-assisted, continuous flow and dry-gel conversion methods. The dry-gel conversion method has the advantages of high yield, simple purification & activation process and no organic waste production, showing great potential in commercialization. Progress on modified UiO-66 materials in the field of adsorption of toxic industrial chemicals and catalytic degradation of chemical warfare agents has been reviewed, and an outlook on the development trend of electrospun nanofiber supported UiO-66 in the field of chemical protection was made. © 2019, Chemical Industry Press. All right reserved.