MXenes, the new family of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides/nitrides, can serve as the substrate materials for the catalysts due to the large specific surface area, tunable electronic structures and thermal stability. The first 2D layered MXene, Ti3C2, was successfully obtained by selective etching of the A element from the MAX phases using hydrofluoric acid (HF) at room temperature in 2011. In this review, we summarize the preparation, structure of MXenes and discuss the recent progress in potential application of MXenes in catalysis, mainly in CO oxidation and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), from the views of both experimental and theoretical investigations. The outlook of the major challenges and future directions on research of MXenes is also included.