MBENEs: A New Class of 2D Materials Beyond MXenes

Abstract

Developing advanced materials is key to progress in energy, electronics, and environmental technologies. MBENEs, a new class of 2D transition metal borides (Mn+1Bn), offer exceptional electrical conductivity, thermal stability, and chemical resilience. Derived from MAB phases via selective etching, MBENEs differ from MXenes in their strong M–B bonds, making synthesis more challenging but promising for harsh-environment applications. Unlike graphene and MXenes, MBENEs combine metal-like conductivity with catalytic activity and structural robustness. Though current research on MBENEs is largely theoretical, early studies highlight their potential in catalysis, energy storage, and high-temperature electronics. Indeed, key challenges remain in scalable synthesis and surface property control to realize their technological promises.