Unlocking the Potential of MBenes in Li/Na-Ion Batteries

Abstract

MBenes, an emerging family of two-dimensional transition metal boride materials, are gaining prominence in alkali metal-ion battery research owing to their distinctive stratified architecture, enhanced charge transport properties, and exceptional electrochemical durability. This analysis provides a comprehensive examination of morphological characteristics and fabrication protocols for MBenes, with particular focus on strategies for optimizing energy storage metrics through controlled adjustment of interlayer distance and tailored surface modifications. The discussion highlights these materials' unique capability to host substantial alkali metal ions, translating to exceptional longevity during charge-discharge cycling and remarkable high-current performance in both lithium and sodium battery systems. Current obstacles to materials development are critically evaluated, encompassing precision control in nanoscale synthesis, reproducibility in large-scale production, enhancement of thermodynamic stability, and eco-friendly processing requirements. Prospective research pathways are proposed, including sustainable manufacturing innovations, atomic-level structural tailoring through computational modeling, and expansion into hybrid energy storage-conversion platforms. By integrating fundamental material science principles with practical engineering considerations, this work seeks to establish actionable frameworks for advancing MBene-based technologies toward next-generation electrochemical storage solutions with enhanced energy density and operational reliability.

Keywords: Mbene; electrode engineering; energy storage; metal-ion batteries; two-dimensional materials.

Figure 5

(a) Schematic illustration of the structural evolution from MoAlB to Mo₂AlB₂ [78]. Copyright 2023, Wiley-VCH. (b) Diagram showing the synthesis of I₂@MBene-Br and the concept of a cascade reaction [79]. Copyright 2024, Wiley-VCH. (c) Illustration of the exfoliation method for Al-R and Al-D MoAl_1−xB nanosheets in organic and strong alkaline solutions, respectively [80]. Copyright 2025, American Chemical Society. (d) Schematic depiction of the efficient one-step mechanical exfoliation (ECO-ME) synthesis pathway for MXenes [74]. Copyright 2023, Elsevier. (e) Illustration of the synthesis of 2D MoB MBenes using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal etching process in an alkaline solution [81]. Copyright 2025, Elsevier.

Figure 1

The variety of elements from the periodic table to be used to compose MAB phases.

Figure 2

The variety of elements from the periodic table used to compose MBenes.

Figure 3

Schematic diagram illustrating the relationship among synthesis, structure, properties, and functions described in this review.

Figure 4

Schematic atomic arrangements predicted for typical MBenes [56]. Copyright 2022, Wiley-VCH.

Figure 6

(a) XRD patterns and (b) EPR spectra of as-prepared Ti₂InB₂. (c) HRTEM image of VIn-Ti₂InB₂. (d) Long-term cycling performance of V_In-Ti₂InB₂ electrodes tested at current densities of 5 and 10 A/g. (e) Capacitive contribution ratios of the V_In-Ti₂InB₂ electrode at various rates, measured before and after 600 cycles [101]. Copyright 2024, Wiley-VCH.

Figure 7

Computational strategy for discovering ternary borides. Each search for ternary compound structures involves two stages—a preliminary pseudo-binary structure search followed by a global ternary structure search. Theoretical analyses were conducted on each predicted layered ternary compound and its corresponding 2D structures [102]. Copyright 2020, American Chemical Society.

Figure 8

Overview of the calculation-driven approach used to discover h-MAB phases and h-MBenes, combining extensive high-throughput computational screening with experimental validation [52]. Copyright 2023, Wiley-VCH.

Figure 9

(a) CV curves of MBene-620 with the gradually increasing scanning rate. (b) Fitting diagram of relationship between ln (peak current) and ln (scan rate). (c) Rate capability of MBenes prepared at different temperatures, (d) cycle performance, and (e) EIS spectra of MBene anodes in LIBs [106]. Copyright 2024. The Royal Society of Chemistry. (f) CV curves of Co₉S₈-MoB MBene electrode at different scan rates (0.2–2.0 mV/s). (g) Rate performance, (h) cyclic specific capacity profiles at a current density of 300 mA/g, and (i) EIS of Co₉S₈-MoB MBene and Co₉S₈ electrodes in LIBs [107]. Copyright 2025. Elsevier Inc.

Figure 10

(a) Schematic illustration of Al removal to create MBenes through mechanical exfoliation of the MAB phase. (b) Diagram showing the metal cation diffusion pathways on monolayer MBenes, including S1 → S2 → S1, S1 → S4 → S1, and S1 → S3 → S1 routes [144]. Copyright 2019, Royal Society of Chemistry.

Figure 11

(a) Top-down views of three diffusion pathways for Li/Na on the tetr-Mo₂B₂ monolayer. Mo, B, and Li/Na atoms are shown in violet, green, and blue, respectively. (b) Diffusion energy barriers for Li and Na on tetr-Mo₂B₂ [145]. Copyright 2019, Royal Society of Chemistry.

Figure 12

(a) Specific capacities of MoB MBenes at different current densities. (b) The cycle performance of MoAlB and MoB MBenes at 50 mA/g. (c) CV profiles at different scan rates of MoB MBenes [81]. Copyright 2025. Elsevier Ltd. (d) Rate performance and (e) cyclic performance of SnS@C and MBenes-SnS@C in SIBs. CV profiles of (f) SnS@C and (g) MBenes-SnS@C-2 at scanning rates of 0.1–1 mV/s. (h) EIS of SnS@C and MBenes-SnS@C [146]. Copyright 2025. Elsevier Inc.

Figure 13

Schematic representation of current challenges and future prospects for MBenes.