MBenes: Two-dimensional transition-metal borides with ordered metal vacancies

2D MBenes have been theoretically predicted to possess unique electronic structures and physicochemical properties, and thus shown great promise in various applications. However, the synthesis of individual single-layer MBene remains a grand challenge due to its orthorhombic structure of MAB phases. Recently, scientists from Linköping University have fabricated 2D monolayer Mo4/3B2-xTz with ordered metal vacancies. Their results demonstrated the feasibility of top-down approach by chemical exfoliation of laminated compounds and provided the principle for further preparation of a wealth of MBenes.