Tailoring Conductivity of Layered TiS_2-xSe_x

Increasing reliance on low-power computing technologies and large-scale energy storage is a driving force for the study of ion transport in materials. In this area, layered transition metal dichalcogenides have stepped to the forefront of materials development. Notably TiS₂, which has seen past application in Li⁺ ion batteries, has again come into vogue due to its wide inter-lamellar spacing and intercalation properties. To tune the electronic properties of this material, we have developed a synthesis of TiS_2-xSe_x species. We report an increase in lattice spacing and electrical conductivity with the increasing concentration of Se in the material. Additionally, the effect of Se dopant concentration on ion mobility is investigated. It is expected that varying chalcogen compositions in TiS_2-xSe_X species will affect Li⁺ ion motion due to varying the ion channel width. A tandem goal is to investigate the change in electrical conductivity that occurs with ion intercalation into TiS_2-xSe_x species. An increase in TiS₂ conductivity with intercalated Li⁺ ions has been observed; studying this property with the suite of TiS_2-xSe_x materials synthesized will provide insight into the changes in band structure upon intercalation of Li⁺ ions. Results are expected to have implications for the development of lithium-ion batteries, as well as computing systems based on ion motion.