Graphene oxide (GO) is one typical two-dimension structured and oxygenated planar molecular material. Researchers across multiple disciplines have paid enormous attention to it due to the unique physiochemical properties. However, models used to describe the structure of GO are still in dispute and ongoing to update. And currently, synthesis methods for mass production are seemingly abundant but in fact, dominated by a few core methodologies. To update with the state-of-an opinions and progresses, herein we present a mini critical review regarding the synthesis of GO as well as its models and simulations of structure. Also, we discuss the perspectives. (C) 2019 The Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, and Chemical Industry Press Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.