Niobium telluride thin films were evaluated as intercalation electrodes in lithium cells. The films were prepared on Al substrate by sputter deposition under different experimental conditions. Large deposition periods lead to a non-crystalline film material, while short deposition periods allow the formation of layered particles structurally similar to niobium ditelluride. For preparations carried out at 300 degrees C, the particles have sizes of ca 1 mu m with their 001 planes oriented parallel to the substrate. At 330 degrees C, particles of ca 10 mu m with their 001 axis parallel to the substrate are obtained. Test batteries of the type Li/LiClO4(PC)/niobium telluride film were studied by potentiostatic and galvanostatic procedures. The performance of the batteries is influenced by the preparation conditions. Cell capacities larger than 100 mA h g(-1) and a good capacity retention after 50 cycles were observed for films prepared at 300 degrees C when the cells were cycled between 0.5 and 2.0 V.