Advanced Materials, March 2022
Just accepted in Advanced Materials: “Two-dimensional MBenes: a Novel Member in the Flatland”.
V.G. Nair, M. Birowska, D. Bury, M. Jakubczak, A. Rosenkranz, A.M. Jastrzębska
Abstract:
Two-dimensional MBenes, early transition metal borides, are a very recent derivative of ternary MAB-phases and represent a new member in the flatland. Although holding great potential towards various applications, mainly theoretical knowledge about their potential properties is available. Theoretical calculations and preliminary experimental attempts demonstrate their rich chemistry, excellent reactivity, mechanical strength/stability, electrical conductivity, transition properties, and energy harvesting possibility. Compared to MXenes, MBenes structure appears to be more complex due to multiple crystallographic arrangements, polymorphism, and structural transformations. This makes their synthesis and subsequent delamination into single flakes challenging. Overcoming this bottleneck will enable a rational control over MBenes’ material-structure-property relationship. Innovations in MBenes post-processing approaches will allow for the design of new functional systems and devices with multi-purpose functionalities thus opening a promising paradigm for the conscious design of high-performance 2D materials.