 This research has developed a new method for creating metastable noble metal nanocrystals, which can be used to improve the efficiency of catalyzing reactions. This technique involves growing a layer of a less expensive transition metal onto a noble metal core, allowing for the creation of a metastable structure with desired electronic properties. This allows for the noble metal nanoparticles to have increased activity when catalyzing certain chemical reactions, such as the hydrogen evolution reaction. This article was authored by Kai Liu, Hao Yang, Ilan Jiang, and others.