A cathode composition for lithium ion and lithium metal batteries includes a
transitional
metal oxide and an adsorbate layer disposed on a surface of the transitional metal
oxide. The transitional metal oxide and the adsorbate layer are both electrochemically
active. A method of forming cathode materials for lithium ion and lithium metal
batteries includes the steps of providing reagents including at least one elemental
chalcogenide or chalcogenic oxide and a transitional metal oxide. The reagents
are heated, wherein a cathode composition is formed having a chalcogenic complex
adsorbed to a bulk material, the bulk material being a modification of the transitional
metal oxide. The transitional metal oxide is preferably a vanadium oxide.
