ABSTRACT The MAB phases are atomically layered, ternary or quaternary transition metal (M) borides (TMBs), with the general formula (MB)2zAx(MB2)y (z = 1–2; x = 1–2; y = 0–2), whose structures are composed of a transition M-B sublattices interleaved by A-atom (A = Al,Zn) mono- or bilayers. Most of the MAB phases were discovered before the 1990s, but recent discoveries of intriguing magnetocaloric properties, mechanical deformation behaviour, catalytic properties, and high-temperature oxidation resistance has led to their ‘re-discovery’. Herein, MAB phase synthesis is reviewed and their magnetic, electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties are summarized. Because the M-B layers in the MAB phases structurally resemble their corresponding binaries of the same M:B stoichiometry, the effects of the A-layers on properties are discussed. Inconsistencies in the literature are critically assessed to gain insights on the processing-structure-property relations, suggest fruitful avenues for future research, and identify limitations for prospective applications.

中文翻译：

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MAB 相的进展报告：原子层叠的三元过渡金属硼化物

摘要 MAB 相是原子层状的三元或四元过渡金属 (M) 硼化物 (TMB)，通式为 (MB)2zAx(MB2)y (z = 1–2; x = 1–2; y = 0– 2），其结构由由A原子（A = Al，Zn）单层或双层交错的过渡MB亚晶格组成。大多数 MAB 相是在 1990 年代之前发现的，但最近对有趣的磁热性能、机械变形行为、催化性能和高温抗氧化性的发现导致了它们的“重新发现”。在此，回顾了 MAB 相的合成，并总结了它们的磁、电子、热和机械性能。由于 MAB 相中的 MB 层在结构上类似于具有相同 M:B 化学计量的相应二元结构，因此讨论了 A 层对性能的影响。