This review focuses on the research progress on new type adsorbent for olefin/paraffin in separating alkene in twenty years. Compared with the tradition adsorption via pi-complexation

the adsorption mechanism of the adsorbent for preferential adsorption of olefin is pore size

difference in molecular diffusion

hydrogen bond interaction or pi complexation in separation of olefin/paraffin. This kind of adsorbent includes metallo-organic frameworks

Engelhard Titanosilicate (ETS)

mesoporous molecular sieve and high silica zeolite. The adsorbent for preferential adsorption of paraffin

such as aluminum methylphosphonate-α

zeolite imidazolate framework ZIF-7 and attapulgite

utilizes the interaction between methyl and paraffin. Olefin presents very high adsorption capacity in metallo-organic frameworks in contrast to other types of adsorbent

due to its high surface area

but the selectivity coefficient for olefin over paraffin is less than 2 at normal pressure. High silica zeolite exhibits satisfactory heat stability and acid stability

which is an excellent adsorbent in a kinetic based process for the separation of propene and propane. Mesoporous molecular sieves have little selectivity for olefin

so they do not meet the needs in industry. With some transition metal cations loaded

such as Cu+ and Ag+

the modified adsorbent possess favorable adsorption capacity and selectivity for olefin. The selectivity and adsorption capacity of ETS are satisfactory after several cycles of desorption

indicating that this adsorbent adapts to industrial applications.