The work introduces the electroplating Zn-Ni alloy coating of steel parts widely used in the automotive, aerospace and other industries and the better corrosion resistance and catalytic properties of zinc-nickel ternary alloy coating obtained by adding Fe, Co, Mn, Ce, P and other third elements to alkaline, chloride and other zinc-nickel alloy plating solution. The progress of adding nano-particles of silicon oxide, cerium oxide, titanium oxide, aluminum oxide and SiC into the Zn-Ni alloy plating bath is also introduced. The zinc-nickel composite coating containing nano-particles has higher corrosion resistance and wear resistance, high hardness, thermal stability, etc. The new research progress of multilayer coatings added with the third element and nano-particles in Zn-Ni alloy electroplating since 2016 is also introduced. Ni-P and Zn-Ni alloy multi-layer coatings deposited from Zn-Ni single bath can form Ni-P coating at low current density; while at higher current density, a Zn-Ni-P alloy coating with 3.2wt% P element can be deposited, thus greatly improving the corrosion resistance of steel parts. In addition, Ni-Co-SiC nano-composite plated on Zn-Ni containing Ni 12wt% is also introduced. This multi-layer structure can improve the adhesion of the coating and the corrosion resistance in 3.5wt% NaCl, and form a new attractive Zn-Ni alloy composite coating with high hardness and low wear.