The present invention is related to ternary metal transition metal non-oxide nano-particle compositions, methods for preparing the nano-particles, and applications relating in particular to the use of said nano-particles in dispersions, electrodes and capacitors. The nano-particle compositions of the present invention can include a precursor which includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of alkoxides, carboxylates and halides of transition metals, the material including transition metal(s) selected from the group consisting of vanadium, niobium, tantalum, tungsten and molybdenum.