The ocean is a huge carbon reservoir which can slow global warming situation by absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide. The ocean also contains a wealth of resources, but the excessive absorption of carbon dioxide lead to the decrease of seawater pH value, the effects of ocean acidification on the ocean cannot be ignored. Through bibliometric methods and statistical analysis from a macro perspective, this paper studied the overall development trend of ocean acidification, research power distribution and major research topics, analyzed the future trends, and put forward several research proposals combined with the existing problems, which aimed to provide some references for future ocean acidification research. The results show: ocean acidification research experienced four development periods including exploring, prototyping, rapid growth and steady growth; Australia, United States, Canada and the UK were the main research countries; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, University of California, University of Queensland and James Cook University were the major research institutions. The process and causes of ocean acidification ,sensitivity organism and life processes influence, the ecosystem impacts and ecological effects, typical research on coral reefs and algae were the main research topics in this field. Future ocean acidification research should further expand the breadth and depth of research, improve research methods and techniques, and pay attention to the development of a comprehensive research program, carefully summarize qualitative and quantitative research results, consider various differences coupling factor and strengthen basic research and international cooperation.