Chemical absorption is currently the most promising technology for CO2 capture from large stationary source, such as coal-fired power plants. The principle of chemical absorption is expounded in terms of CO2 solubility, mass transfer, and chemical reactions. Processes and typical chemical absorption systems including amine scrubbing, biphasic process, ammonia-based process, and membrane absorption process are described. Key technologies of amine scrubbing process including absorbents, equipment, process modification, and integration are analyzed. The environmental and economic effects of amine scrubbing are discussed. Industrial applications of chemical absorption for CO2 capture are summarized. In the end, the future research direction of chemical absorption is put forward.