A Rising 2D Star: Novel MBenes with Excellent Performance in Energy Conversion and Storage

Abstract

As a flourishing member of the two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial family, MXenes have shown great potential in various research areas. In recent years, the continued growth of interest in MXene derivatives, 2D transition metal borides (MBenes), has contributed to the emergence of this 2D material as a latecomer. Due to the excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical properties and electrical properties, thus MBenes attract more researchers' interest. Extensive experimental and theoretical studies have shown that they have exciting energy conversion and electrochemical storage potential. However, a comprehensive and systematic review of MBenes applications has not been available so far. For this reason, we present a comprehensive summary of recent advances in MBenes research. We started by summarizing the latest fabrication routes and excellent properties of MBenes. The focus will then turn to their exciting potential for energy storage and conversion. Finally, a brief summary of the challenges and opportunities for MBenes in future practical applications is presented.

Recent advances and promise of MXene-based composites as electrode materials for sodium-ion and potassium-ion batteries

“…11 To address the aforementioned challenges, extensive research has been conducted on the rational design and the selection of electrode composite materials. Unlike conventional 2D nanomaterials such as graphene, 36 borophene, 37 silicon, 38 and black phosphorus, 39 MXenes exhibit a wide range of chemical compositions and atomic-scale structural arrangements, 40,41 resulting in unique properties including metallic conductivity, 42,43 adjustable band gaps, 44 a substantial redox-active surface area, 45,46 remarkable mechanical stability, 47,48 and flexibility. 49,50 MXene is predominantly found in two forms: multilayer and single-layer structures.…”

Wet‐Chemical Etching and Delamination of MoAlB into MBene and Its Outstanding Photocatalytic Performance

“…However, different stoichiometries coupled with variable modes of layer sandwiching cause many difficulties in their synthesis employing wet‐chemical etching and delamination. [ 22,23,28,29 ]…”

“…[18][19][20][21] MXenes have M n+1 X n chemical formula in which M stands for an early transition metal, A is a metal from group A of elements, and X is carbon or nitrogen. [22] MXenes currently undergo extensive development toward more exotic compositions, such as transition metal borides that include boron (B) in their structure.…”

“…Transition metal borides, called MBenes, are a novel and unexplored member of 2D family, introduced in 2015 by Ade and Hillebrecht. [22][23][24] Fundamentally, MBenes could be obtained from their parental ternary transition metal borides (MAB phases). In these atomically laminated bulk phases of the MAB chemical formula, M stands for an early transition metal, A is an IIIA and IVA group element, and B represents boron.…”

Theoretical study of a novel porous penta-TaB with two-dimensional furrow surface as an anode for lithium-ion batteries

“…7,8 However, current transition metal boride anodes have either high capacity but high diffusion barriers or low capacity but low diffusion barriers. 9 Therefore, it is challenging to find a transition metal boride anode material with low diffusion barrier and high theoretical capacity.…”