Figure 1. Schematic of the Li₂S_x adsorption and diffusion on the surface of various nonconductive metal oxides.

(a) The metal oxide with weak Li₂S_x adsorption capability; only few Li₂S_x can be captured by the oxide; (b) the metal oxide with both strong adsorption and good diffusion, which is favourable for the electrochemical reaction and the controllable deposition of sulfur species; (c) the metal oxide with strong bonding but without good diffusion; the growth of Li₂S and the electrochemical reaction on the oxide/C surface is impeded.