As emerging non-metallic semiconductors, black phosphorus (BP) and few-layered BP (phosphorene) have exhibited unique physicochemical properties and promising application prospect for catalysis related fields. In this review, we first introduced the intriguing properties of BP, including high carrier mobility, a wide optical absorption range and tunable direct band gap. We then summarized the recent research progress about the applications of BP as catalysts, mainly focus on photocatalytic water splitting, photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and electrocatalytic H₂ and O₂ evolution. The recent works about other catalytic applications were also introduced.