Abstract: Core/shell nano-composite materials presents novel physical and chemical properties because of the special structure, which has broad application prospects in catalysis, biology, medicine, light, electricity, magnetism and high-performance machines. Catalyst with a core/shell structure can not only achieve controlled catalytic reactions, but also protect the core materials from chemical erosion by the external environment and the issues such as the aggregation of nano-particles can be prevented simultaneously. This review summarizes the recent progress in core/shell nano-composite materials for catalysis, such as core/shell nano-composite materials with metal-metal, metal-oxide and oxide-oxide, and their application in electro-catalytic oxidation, hydrogenation, selective oxidation, reduction, environmental catalysis and photo-catalytic degradation reactions. Prospects for future developments of core/shell nano-composite materials in catalysis are proposed.