Synthesis of Cubic Li sub x Zr S sub 2 (0<=x<=1)

The layered dichalcogenides (MX sub 2; M=Group, IV, V, or VI X=S or Se) are good two dimensional hosts for intercalation reactions. In particular, reactions with lithium are of interest as positive electrodes in secondary batteries. Recently we have shown that a three dimensional host, cubic TiS sub 2, can be prepared by reacting the thiospinel CuTi sub 2 S sub 4 with I sub 2 thereby removing the copper.