From Synthesis to Energy Storage, The Microchemistry of MXene and MBene

MXene and MBene, with diverse and adjustable surface and bulk structures, show many unique chemical properties and are applied in various energy storage technologies, and the latest developments for them are reviewed respectively. However, the current reports on the synthesis of the two materials and the application of related devices are still separate and limited to the macro details. In this review, the microscopic chemistry of synthesis strategies for MXene and MBene and the differences in synthesis strategies caused by the structure differences between them are elucidated. Later, the impact of synthesis strategies on their overall morphologies and subsequent material property differences are discussed, and key considerations in the field of energy storage are described. Next, it is elaborated on how the surface and bulk phases of MXene and MBene utilize these properties to participate in electrochemical reactions individually or synergistically. Unlike previous reviews, MXene and MBene are incorporated into a unified framework from a microscopic perspective for discussion, and the relationship of synthesis-structure/properties-function is elucidated. Finally, the “skipping strategy” and “joint devices” as the next-generation design concepts of MXene in the synthesis and application fields, and the development template for MBene materials are proposed.