Objective To review the research progress of graphene and its derivatives in repair of peripheral nerve defect. Methods The related literature of graphene and its derivatives in repair of peripheral nerve defect in recent years was extensively reviewed. Results It is confirmed by in vitro and in vivo experiments that graphene and its derivatives can promote cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation and neurite growth effectively. They have good electrical conductivity, excellent mechanical properties, larger specific surface area, and other advantages when compared with traditional materials. The three-dimensional scaffold can improve the effect of nerve repair. Conclusion The metabolic pathways and long-term reaction of graphene and its derivatives in the body are unclear. How to regulate their biodegradation and explain the electric coupling reaction mechanism between cells and materials also need to be further explored.