Electrointercalation of silver into 2H–NbSe2

The electrointercalation of Ag into single crystals of 2H-NbSe2 was studied. The distribution of Ag in the samples was measured with an electron beam probe. Intercalation generally proceeded in two stages, with the Van der Waals gaps. near the sample surface, appearing to intercalate first, while a critical concentration,.r, = 0.16 of Ag, was required before intercalation in the bulk took place. The Agconcentration profiles were generally characterized by sharp fronts which remained stationary for long periods of time after intercalation was discontinued. Radioactive tracer measurements gave Ag self-diffusion coefficient of D, = 3 x lo-' cm2/s f0r.r = 0.4.