Sorption-enhanced-steam-reforming (SESR) is a thermochemical conversion technology that produces a high-purity hydrogen stream by utilizing in-situ removal of CO₂ with a sorbent. In this paper, the advantages and disadvantages of CaO based sorbents, alkali-metal based sorbents (Na₂ZrO₃, Li₂ZrO₃ and Li₄SiO₄), hydrotalcite based sorbents, bifunctional materials and sorbents prepared from wastes are briefly discussed, and the techniques to improve the sorption properties of these CO₂ sorbents are summarized. In the process of hydrogen production by sorption-enhanced-steam-reforming, the selection of suitable high-temperature CO₂ sorbent is the key to produce high purity hydrogen. Furthermore, the hydrogen-production performance of the above-mentioned sorbents in the SESR process is investigated and summarized. Finally, a future perspective and some suggestions regarding these five types of sorbents are put forward.