Vanadium phosphorous oxide (VPO) is an important complex oxide with excellent catalytic performances in many reactions such as selective oxidization of light alkanes and ammonium oxidation. Because VPO has quite complicated structures

its phase composition

surface morphology

and acidity are closely related to preparation methods

which affect VPO catalytic performance. Various VPO preparation methods were reviewed to systematically analyze structure

characteristics

and transformation of VPO crystals. Techniques to improve catalytic performance and recent progress were assessed especially. Major application

challenges

and future development of VPO catalysts were further discussed. Advanced in-situ characterization and theoretical simulation were used to explore structure-property relationship and novel synthesis methods of VPO catalyst. With facilitation of modern nanomaterial theory

high performance nanomicro-structured VPO catalyst could be developed.