MXenes vs MBenes: Demystifying the materials of tomorrow’s carbon capture revolution

Abstract Two emerging materials, MXenes and MBenes, have garnered significant attention as promising candidates for CCS applications. Both materials possess unique properties that make them well-suited for CO_2 adsorption, such as high surface area, porosity, and tunable chemical functionality. This perspective article presents a comparative evaluation of MXenes and MBenes for CO_2 capture, leveraging advanced computational simulations and experimental data to elucidate their respective adsorption capacities, kinetic performance, and stability. The simulations reveal that both materials exhibit superior CO_2 adsorption performance compared to conventional CCS materials, with MXenes demonstrating a slight edge in adsorption capacity and selectivity. Furthermore, the potential of MXenes and MBenes for CCS applications is discussed, including their layer thickness, selective affinity to CO_2, advantages over conventional sorbents, regeneration, stability, and durability. The findings provide valuable insights into the structure–property relationships of MXenes and MBenes in the context of CO_2 capture and shed light on the technology readiness of these materials for specific CCS applications. Finally, this perspective article aims to advance the fundamental understanding of these novel 2D materials for CCS, paving the way for future developments in sustainable CO_2 capture technologies. Graphical abstract Highlights MXenes and MBenes are two-dimensional layered materials with the potential to revolutionize carbon capture and storage (CCS). MXenes have several advantages over other CCS materials, such as greater porosity, higher CO2 adsorption capacity, and easier and less expensive production. MBenes are more stable in humid environments and have higher oxidation resistance and thermal conductivity than MXenes, making them a better choice for CCS applications where the CO2 stream is humid, hot, and/or corrosive. MXenes and MBenes have the potential to make CCS more efficient, cost-effective, and versatile. Discussion Why are MXenes and MBenes ideal for carbon capture applications? In terms of carbon capture efficiency, how do MXenes and MBenes stack up against other materials such as MOFs, zeolites, and activated carbons? Which are better, MXenes or MBenes, for carbon capture? Why do MXenes and MBenes have a selective affinity to CO2 compared to other gases such as N2 and O2? What is the optimal number of layers for MXenes/MBenes for carbon capture, and does interlayer spacing affect performance? What is the best surface termination for CO2 capture? What happens to the CO2 after it is absorbed onto MXene and MBene surfaces, and how can one remove CO2 that has been adsorbed? What are the major challenges, besides scalability, that need to be overcome for these materials to be practical? How durable and stable are MXenes and MBenes?