The review paper has briefly summarized the development of the use of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and their derivatives as heterogeneous and recyclable catalysts/catalyst supports for various reactions in the period of 2005 to early 2010. The catalysis reactions involve a number of important fields, such as organic/pharmaceutical synthesis (e.g. the formation of several types of organic bonds), clean energy (e.g. the production of hydrogen and popular carbon nanotubes), and environmental pollution control (e.g. total decomposition of volatile organic compounds, photodecomposition of organic wastes, DeNO x and DeSO x). The authors have also commented on the state of the art of research and pointed out the potential future directions in developing LDH-based catalysts. This review has thus indicated that LDH-based catalysts are important materials useful in these fields and it is worthwhile making more efforts towards the development of LDH-based catalysts. ►We review the catalytic applications of layered double hydroxide-based catalysts. ►These catalyses involve formation of C C, C C, C O, C N, S O. ►The applications also include removal of gaseous pollutants and H 2 production. ►The perspective in developing LDH-based catalysts has been provided.