Abstract: The research progress of hydrophobized modified nanocellulose was reviewed. The hydrophobic modification of nanocellulose was discussed from three aspects: surface adsorption modification, surface hydroxyl chemical modification and graft copolymerization modification. The applications of hydrophobic nanocellulose and its derivatives in emulsion and foam stabilization and in the fields of paper-making, aerogel and membrane materials were introduced. The development was prospected, which provided a reference for the wide application of hydrophobic nanocellulose.