As a class of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) formed by association of metal cations Cu 2+ with organic ligands benzene tricarboxylic acid, HKUST-1 [1] and its derivatives have attracted much concern as they possess highly porosity, ultrahigh surface area, and the tunable structure which show its potential in various applications. Unlike other porous materials like graphene (GN), [2] multiple layers of carbon nanotube (MCNT), [3] In recent decades, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have achieved rapid development owing to the considerable concern from researchers. As one of the most intensely studied MOFs, HKUST-1 has shown remarkable performance which is considered feasible to apply in actual applications. However, the weak mechanical properties and water instability hinder its development which are mainly ascribed to lattice defects and surface barriers that impede mass transfer and molecular diffusion as well as electronic transmission. This review summarizes the recent literatures on the strategies of enhancing the above defects of virgin HKUST-1 and its various applications, mainly adsorption and separation, catalyst, sensor as well as optical and electronic applications. These improving strategies improve specific properties of HKUST-1 by decreasing the defects density, which will make this material more applicable for potential fields. Main strategies include the following: (1) modifying HKUST-1 with an "armor," (2) getting durable MOFs by direct synthesis or surface hydrophobization, (3) reconstructing the moisture-degraded HKUST-1, and (4) making use of the buffer action of sacrificial bonds. . His current research focuses on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), porous coordination polymers (PCPs), morph-genetic MOFs, biomimetic functional composite, nanomaterials, materials for energy and environment, photoelectric functional materials, and so on.