Abstract: Lignin is the most abundant aromatic polymer. Lignin nanoparticles exhibit properties of nanomaterials on the basis of retaining original characteristic, which have great potential in various functional nanomaterial. In especial, lignin nanoparticles can be used as a green reducing agent for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles to prepare the nano composite materials, which are widely used in the application of catalysis. In this paper, the preparation of lignin nanoparticles and their application for reduction of metal ion, and metal nanoparticles loading were reviewed. It's focused on the research progress of lignin-based metal nanoparticles composites in various fields. Finally, the opportunities and challenges of lignin in the preparation and application of metal nanoparticles composites were summarized and prospected.