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In heterogeneous catalysis, characterization of heterogeneous metal interfaces of bimetallic catalysts is a crucial step to elucidate the catalytic performance and is a key to develop advanced catalysts. However, analytical techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy can only work in vacuum conditions and are difficult to use for in situ analysis. Here, we present efficient and convenient core-shell nano particle-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to explore the in situ electronic structures of heterogeneous interfaces (Au@Pd and Au@Pt core-shell NPs) by varying the shell thickness. The experimental observations reported here clearly show that Pd donates electrons to Au, while Pt accepts electrons from Au at the heterogeneous interfaces. This conclusion gains further support from ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results. The Au core greatly affects the electronic structures of both the Pd and Pt shells as well as catalytic behaviors. Finally, the as prepared core-shell nanoparticles were used to demonstrate their improved catalytic properties in real electrocatalytic systems such as methanol oxidation and oxygen reduction reactions., QC 20161028