The invention discloses a Cu-Zn-based catalyst used in a reverse water gas shift reaction for catalyzing CO2 hydrogenation conversion for producing CO, and a preparation method thereof and an application thereof. The Cu-Zn-based catalyst has a structural formula of CuaZnbMc. M is one or a combination of more than one selected from transition metal elements, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or rare earth; a, b, and c are respectively molar fractions of Cu, Zn, and M; a is in the range of 40-60%, b is in the range of 30-60%, and c is in the range of 0-10%. The Cu-Zn-based catalyst provided by the invention has the advantages of low cost, simple preparation method, stable performance, and suitability for industrial large-scale production. Under low temperature, the catalyst has high reaction activity and high CO selectivity, and can be used in the reverse water gas shift reaction for synthesizing CO, such that CO2 emission rate can be reduced. The catalyst can also be used in coupling with a CO hydrogenation catalyst, such that products such as hydrocarbons low-carbon alcohols and high-carbon alcohols with high added values can be produced. The catalyst has good industrial application prospect.