Low-temperature ion sulfurizing technology overcomes many shortcomings existing in traditional sulfurizing methods, and has become the most commonly used preparation method of ferrous sulfide solid lubrication film. However, its theoretical study is not perfect yet, the sorts of materials applied are relatively deficient, and the characterization of micro/ nano sulfide layer is diffi- cult, all these factors restrict its promotion and industrialization process. The achievements and disadvantages of ion sulfurizing technology based on principle and process research, characterization of sulfide film and its tribological properties were presented in this paper. The anti-friction mechanism of sulfide layer was discussed. The substrate types of ion sulfurizing were introduced and the future prospects of ion sulfurizing technology were proposed.