Physics and Chemistry of Two Dimensional Metal Chalcogenides

The early transition elements (groups IV, V, and VI) form dichalcogenides (S, Se) with two dimensional layer structures. The layers are held together only by weak vanderWaal's interactions. These compounds exhibit a variety of properties ranging from semiconducting to superconducting. The phenomena of charge density waves was discovered in these materials. These materials also undergo intercalation reactions with a variety of donors. Intercalation modifies the properties, but it also is of intrinsic interest as a potentially useful electrode reaction for a new kind of rechargeable battery.