Abstract: The development of polyethylene material is inseparable with the progress of its catalysts.Silica gel is usually used as the catalyst carrier in polymerization of ethylene.Properties of catalysts and relative molecular weight of polyethylene can be controlled by changing the physical indexes and activation conditions of silica gel carrier.Recent progress on chromium based catalysts supported on silica gel used for polyethylene at home and abroad was reviewed,including the methods of pretreating silica gel carrier,as well as preparation technologies and catalytic performances of chromium oxide catalysts supported on silica gel,organo-chromium catalysts,and chromium based catalysts doped by transition metal compound.In addition,differences on catalysis mechanisms of chromiun oxide catalyst and organo-chromium catalyst were compared and research direction of chromium based catalysts supported on silica gel in the future was forecasted.