  Poor electrical conductivity and large volume expansion during repeated
charge and discharge is what has characterized many battery electrode materials
in current use. This has led to 2D materials, specifically multi-layered 2D
systems, being considered as alternatives. Among these 2D multi-layered systems
are the graphene-based van der Waals heterostructures with transition metal
di-chalcogenides (TMDCs) as one of the layers. Thus in this study,
graphene-Hafnium disulphide (Gr-HfS$_2$) system, has been investigated as a
prototype Gr-TMDC system for application as battery electrode. Density
functional theory calculations indicate that Gr-HfS$_2$ van der Waals
heterostructure formation is energetically favoured. In order to probe its
battery electrode applications capability, Li, Na and K intercalants were
introduced between the layers of the heterostructure. Li and K were found to be
good intercalants as they had low diffusion barriers as well as positive open
circuit voltage. A comparison to bilayer graphene and bilayer HfS$_2$ indicate
that Gr-HfS$_2$ is a favourable battery electrode system.
