Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• MBene, a derivative of MXene, exhibits exceptional electrical conductivity, structural flexibility, and mechanical properties, making it a promising material for energy storage and harvesting applications. • The review systematically covers the synthesis, chemical mechanisms, and structural variants of MBene, including hex-, ortho-, tetra-, and tri-MBenes, as well as MXenes with identical transition metal components. • MBene demonstrates significant electrochemical performance in batteries (Li/Na/Mg/Ca/Li–S) and supercapacitors, as well as in CO2 and nitrogen reduction reactions, highlighting its versatility in energy conversion and harvesting. • The integration of artificial intelligence in predicting MBene properties and the challenges in experimental synthesis are critically discussed, providing a roadmap for future research and development.
Abstract
MXene derivatives are notable two-dimensional nanomaterials with numerous prospective applications in the domains of energy development. MXene derivative, MBene, diversifies its focus on energy storage and harvesting due to its exceptional electrical conductivity, structural flexibility, and mechanical properties. This comprehensive review describes the sandwich-like structure of the synthesized MBene, derived from its multilayered parent material and its distinct chemical framework to date. The fields of focus encompass the investigation of novel MBenes, the study of phase-changing mechanisms, and the examination of hex-MBenes, ortho-MBenes, tetra-MBenes, tri-MBenes, and MXenes with identical transition metal components. A critical analysis is also provided on the electrochemical mechanism and performance of MBene in energy storage (Li/Na/Mg/Ca/Li–S batteries and supercapacitors), as well as conversion and harvesting (CO2 reduction, and nitrogen reduction reactions). The persistent difficulties associated with conducting experimental synthesis and establishing artificial intelligence-based forecasts are extensively deliberated alongside the potential and forthcoming prospects of MBenes. This review provides a single platform for an overview of the MBene’s potential in energy storage and harvesting.
1. Introduction
The enhancement of industrialization and commercialization is responsible for the high demand for energy storage, conversion, and transformation. The massive utilization of fossil fuels to meet energy requirements limits their resources, increasing CO2 emissions, which threaten human beings [1]. To address these challenges, particularly in developing nations, generating and extensively utilizing sustainable energy sources, including solar, geothermal, wind, and tidal power, is essential [2]. Batteries and supercapacitors (SCs) are the primary sources of energy storage and conversion. The existing battery sources exhibited inadequate electrochemical performance. The chemical composition, structure, and qualities of the electrode material significantly influence the efficacy of charge storage devices. Thus, producing a remarkable material with exceptional electrochemical performance for electrode applications is essential.
The present era is a two-dimensional (2D) material in energy storage and conversion because of its unique properties, including high specific surface area, many active sites, and outstanding thermal, chemical, and physical properties, such as MXene, graphene, and borophene, as illustrated in Fig. 1a [3–5]. MXenes were discovered by Gogotsi and Barsoum from Drexel University. Similar to the MXene structure, MBene has been expanded in several different regions, as shown in Fig. 1b. The pure MXene (Mn+1Xn) is an inorganic chemical created by selectively removing the A layer from its parent material, MAX. By selectively etching in HF or in situ HF-generating solutions, the created pure material contained good functional terminations, such as –O, –F, and –OH. MXene generally consists of transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, with the chemical formula Mn+1XnTx [6, 7]. In this equation, M, X, and T represent transition metals, carbon or nitrogen, and surface termination groups, respectively [8]. Since the initial discovery of MXene, almost 100 distinct varieties with varying chemical compositions and structures have been identified both theoretically and empirically and utilized in diverse applications, including environmental science, energy, catalysis, and electronics [9, 10]. The
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Jai Kumar, Nadeem Hussain Solangi, Rana R. Neiber, Fangyuan Bai, Victor Charles, Pengfei Zhai, Zhuanpei Wang, Xiaowei Yang (2026). Advancing Energy Development with MBene: Chemical Mechanism, AI, and Applications in Energy Storage and Harvesting. Nano-Micro Letters. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-025-01941-8
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is MBene and how does it differ from MXene?
MBene is a derivative of MXene, a two-dimensional nanomaterial. While MXene consists of transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides, MBene is a boride-based material with a similar layered structure. MBene offers exceptional electrical conductivity, structural flexibility, and mechanical properties, making it promising for energy storage and harvesting applications.
What are the key applications of MBene in energy storage and harvesting?
MBene is investigated for use in batteries (Li/Na/Mg/Ca/Li–S), supercapacitors, and electrocatalytic reactions such as CO2 reduction and nitrogen reduction reactions. Its high surface area and active sites contribute to enhanced electrochemical performance.
How is artificial intelligence used in MBene research?
Artificial intelligence is employed to predict the properties and performance of MBene materials, aiding in the design and optimization of synthesis processes. However, challenges remain in integrating AI predictions with experimental synthesis, which are addressed in the review.
What are the main challenges in synthesizing MBene?
The synthesis of MBene is challenging due to the need for selective etching of the parent material and controlling surface terminations. The review discusses persistent difficulties in experimental synthesis and the potential of AI to overcome these hurdles.
What is the significance of this review for future research?
This review provides a comprehensive overview of MBene's chemical mechanisms, structural variants, and applications, highlighting its potential in energy development. It also identifies research gaps and future prospects, serving as a valuable resource for researchers in materials science and energy.
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