Preparation and application of Janus nanoparticles: Recent development and prospects

• A review on synthesis methods of anisotropic Janus nanoparticles in recent years. • The applications of Janus nanoparticles with different anisotropy are summarized. • Current defects and prospects of Janus nanoparticles are also discussed. Janus particles have a noncentral symmetric structure. Since they have two or more different physical and chemical properties, they show different properties and application potential of isotropic particles. Janus nanoparticles have been extensively used in catalysts, surfactants, nanosensors and cancer therapy. This review outlines the different types of techniques for designing and synthesizing Janus nanoparticles. It also describes the latest developments in Janus nanoparticle research in cancer treatment, catalysis, nanosensors and surfactants over the past few years. Finally, the future orientations of the research and the possibilities of application are discussed.