Heteroatom-based 2D material BeN₄: exciting properties, synthesis, and application in energy storage and sensing

BeN₄, a remarkable new N-based two-dimensional nanomaterial having anisotropic Dirac cones, has recently been synthesized. BeN₄ shows excellent physical and chemical properties, viz., Dirac cones at the Fermi level, high-symmetry electron-hole pairs, high stiffness, and high Fermi velocity. The band structure and density of states analyses reveal that pristine BeN₄ exhibits characteristics of a semi-metal. The electronic properties of BeN₄ can be tuned through defect, doping, hybridization and strain engineering to make it suitable for various applications. BeN₄ has been assessed theoretically and practically for various applications in materials science, viz., gas sensing, energy storage devices, and catalysis. Despite their promising properties, N-based 2D nanomaterials have been underexplored in the past, leaving an excellent opportunity for future study to discover novel properties and applications. This review article covers the synthesis methods, properties, and applications of BeN₄, mentioning recent research work from both experimental and computational areas. Although a considerable amount of research has been carried out on this promising 2D material, there is no review article reported so far which generates the need for a review article on this fascinating 2D material. Hence, by comprehensively analyzing recent advancements and outlining prospective research avenues, this article serves as a valuable resource for researchers engaged in the study of 2D materials.