Structures, properties and applications of two-dimensional metal nitrides: from nitride MXene to other metal nitrides

The two-dimensional (2D) metal nitrides (MNs), including group IIA nitrides, group IIIA nitrides, nitride MXene and other transition metal nitrides (TMNs), exhibit unique electronic and magnetic characteristics. The 2D MNs have been widely studied by experimental and computational approaches and some of them have been synthesized. Herein we systematically reviewed the structural, electronic, thermal, mechanical, magnetic and optical properties of the 2D MNs that have been reported in recent years. Based on their unique properties, the related applications of 2D MNs on fields like electronics, spintronics, sensing, catalysis, and energy storage were discussed. Additionally, the lattice structures and synthetic routes were also summarized as supplements of the research progress of 2D MNs family. Furthermore, we provided insights into the research prospects and future efforts that need to be made on 2D MNs.

Automated summary

This review systematically summarizes the structural, electronic, thermal, mechanical, magnetic, and optical properties of two-dimensional metal nitrides (2D MNs) that have been reported in recent years. The unique electronic and magnetic characteristics of 2D MNs are discussed, along with their potential applications in electronics, spintronics, sensing, catalysis, and energy storage.