Development of Core-Shell Nanofibers in Magnetoelectric Sensors, Fuel Cells, and Drug-Delivery Applications: A Review

Abstract

Core–shell nanofibers have emerged as a versatile class of nanostructured materials due to their unique ability to integrate multiple functionalities within a single architecture. Their coaxial geometry, which combines core and shell domains, allows for precise control over composition, interfacial interactions, and surface characteristics, making them highly attractive for advanced electronic and biomedical applications. This review highlights recent advancements in the design, synthesis, and application of core–shell nanofibers, with a focus on their roles in magnetoelectric devices and drug delivery systems. For magnetoelectric devices, core–shell nanofibers provide efficient coupling between magnetic and electric order parameters, enabling the development of miniaturized, flexible, high-sensitivity sensors, energy harvesters, and transducers. Their high aspect ratio, tunable interfacial stress transfer, and enhanced magnetoelectric coupling open new opportunities for next-generation spintronic and wearable technologies. In parallel, the unique core–shell morphology offers distinct advantages in drug delivery, such as high loading efficiency, sequential or sustained release, and protection of bioactive agents, which are crucial for wound healing, tissue engineering, and targeted therapies. Also, this review highlights recent progress in core–shell nanofiber-based electrodes for HT-PEMFCs, DEFCs, and IT-SOFCs, emphasizing their role in enhancing catalytic activity, stability, and ionic conductivity. These advancements pave the way for high-efficiency and durable fuel cell technologies for next-generation, efficient, and sustainable fuel cell systems. We further summarize the progress in electrospinning and other fabrication techniques that enable scalable production of uniform core–shell nanofibers, along with critical insights into structure–property relationships, challenges, and future perspectives. This review highlights the multifunctional potential of core–shell nanofibers as a transformative platform for next-generation devices and healthcare solutions, bridging developments in the electronic and biomedical domains.