It is proposed to study the Hydrogen-Molybdinum-Disulfide and HxWS2 systems. The variation of x with P will be determined at various temperatures and conditions sought where equilibrium can be achieved in reasonable periods of time. Thermodynamic quantities will be deduced for these favorable circumstances. Advantage will also be taken of conditions where desorption is severely kinetically limited to study structural characteristics of these phases by neutron and/or x-ray diffraction, vibrational and NMR-spectroscopies, ESCA, electrical conductivities and electrode potentials, all as a function of x. If warranted, means will be found to supplement these data with EPR measurements. Both single crystals and amorphous high surface area preparations will be used and relationships sought between these systems with the well documented behavior of known hydrogen-bronzes. The effect of variation in x on catalytic properties will be explored and comparison will be made with presently not understood effects of a similar "activated adsorption" (characterized as HR) found with reduced molybdena- alumina catalysts. Other transition metal sufides may be tested for similar behavior.
