Synthesis, properties, and applications of MBenes (two-dimensional metal borides) as emerging 2D materials: a review

Two-dimensional (2D) materials like conventional graphene, hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN, monolayer), and transition metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDCs) have gotten a lot of attention lately because of their unparalleled possibilities for a variety of applications. MBenes, a family of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal borides, have recently attracted significant attention. Their elemental compositions, surface terminations, geometrical forms, and properties (chemical and physical) are unique and fascinating. These two-dimensional compounds hold promising potential for environmental applications because of their exceptional electrical conductivity, high hydrophilicity, rich surface chemistry, and outstanding stability. The newly discovered MBenes are incredibly stable, with isotropic and ultrahigh Young's modulus. Furthermore, MBenes have superior catalytic activity, optical and thermal properties. Given many potential MBenes, theoretical and experimental applications are expected soon. This review presents the synthetic approaches, properties (optical, thermal, mechanical, and electrochemical), and diverse applications of MBenes-based heterostructures. The numerous strategies for further investigation MBenes for applications in the energy sector (storage and conversion) are highlighted.Graphical abstract