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Metal-semiconductor heterostructure nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted much interest and extensively been investigated due to their promising potentials in the fields of catalysis, energy conversion and storage. Due to the synergistic effect and coupling effect between metal and semiconductor, designing and controlling the interface structure of metal-semiconductor NPs and understanding the structure-property relationship have great significance for optimizing their physicochemical performances. Metal NPs coupled with semiconductors forming several kinds of interface structures, including core-shell, yolk-shell, Janus and oligomer-like structures are summarized in this review. The controllable synthesis methods to obtain metal-semiconductor heterostructure NPs with fantastic properties are presented in detail. Moreover, the structure-property relationship and their applications in the fields of catalysis, energy conversion and storage are also exhibited. A brief outlook is given on the challenges and possible solutions in future development of metal-semiconductor NPs. Image 1 • Forming metal-semiconductor heterostructure is an effective way to improve the properties of semiconductor materials. • Structure design and controllable synthesis methods for metal-semiconductor heterostructure nanoparticles are summarized. • The interface structure of metal-semiconductor nanoparticles is a key factor that influence their performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]