Recent progress in core–shell structural materials towards high performance batteries

•Various unique methods for synthesizing core–shell structures have been reported.•Utilizing the features of the core–shell structure can improve battery performance.•Core-shell structures show promising applications in energy storage and other fields. In the context of the current energy crisis, it is crucial to develop efficient energy storage devices. Battery systems with core–shell structures have attracted great interest due to their unique structure. Core-shell structures allow optimization of battery performance by adjusting the composition and ratio of the core and shell to enhance stability, energy density and energy storage capacity. This review explores the differences between the various methods for synthesizing core–shell structures and the application of core–shell structured materials in various battery systems. In addition, we point out the challenges of core–shell structural materials and provide an outlook for new solutions to hotspot issues in energy and biomedicine.