This work deciphers the modulation essence of p bands on Li-S chemistry by systematically studying the kinetic behaviors of Li-S chemistry on Co-based compounds with fixed metal cation and varied non-metal anions. The p bands originated from the non-metal anions can benefit the interfacial charge interaction by tuning the electron energy of the valence band, endowing S@rGO/CoP with unprecedented rate performance for Li-S batteries. It offers a new vision to rationally design highly efficient materials for Li-S batteries.

MoSe 2 grown on N,P-co-doped carbon nanosheets is synthesized by a solvothermal reaction followed with a high-temperature calcination. This composite has an interlayer spacing of MoSe 2 expanded to facilitate sodiumion diffusion, MoSe 2 immobilized on carbon nanosheets to improve chargetransfer kinetics, and N and P incorporated into carbon to enhance its interaction with active species upon cycling. These features greatly improve the electrochemical performance of this composite, as compared to all the controls. It presents a specific capacity of 378 mAh g −1 after 1000 cycles at 0.5 A g −1 , corresponding to 87% of the capacity at the second cycle. Ex situ Raman spectra and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images confirm that it is element Se, rather than MoSe 2 , formed after the charging process. The interaction of the active species with modified carbon is simulated using density functional theory to explain this excellent stability. The superior rate capability, where the capacity at 15 A g −1 equals ≈55% of that at 0.5 A g −1 , could be associated with the significant contribution of pseudocapacitance. By pairing with homemade Na 3 V 2 (PO 4 ) 3 /C, this composite also exhibits excellent performances in full cells.