The roles of surfactants in the morphology control of nanoparticles are reviewed, including dispersion, structure direct, cap, reduction, etch, and ion exchange. The application of surfactants in the synthesis of nanoparticles is prospected.

Seawater is one of the most abundant natural resources on our planet. Electrolysis of seawater is not only a promising approach to produce clean hydrogen energy, but also of great significance for seawater desalination.