Catalysis on faceted noble-metal nanocrystals: both shape and size matter

► Syntheses of faceted noble-metal nanocrystals with controlled shapes and sizes. ► Correlations of the catalytic performance of faceted nanocrystals with shapes and sizes. ► Alternations to the shape of noble-metal nanocrystals during a synthesis or catalytic reaction. ► Impacts of surface capping agent on the shape stability and durability of faceted nanocrystals.