Preparation and mass transport properties of Li2.3Mo6S7.7

Unsuccessful attempts were made to prepare Li_xMo₆S_7.7 by direct ionic exchange of Cu₂Mo₆S_7.7 using aqueous, acetontrille, and molten salt solvents. Li_2.3Mo₆S_7.7 was eventually prepared by lithiation of Mo₆S₈ using n-butyl lithium reagent. The mass transport properties of hot-pressed samples were measured using a four-point dc technique and the following values at 415°C for the lithium ionic conductivity, .4×10⁻⁴ (ohms cm⁻¹) and lithium chemical diffusion coefficient 3.5×10⁻⁷ cm²/s, were derived. A possible explanation for the relatively low lithium ion mobility in Li_2.3Mo₆S_7.7 is discussed.