1. SEM images of (a, d) the precursor of the α-MoC_1-x/CNS composite and (b-c, e) the α-MoC_1-x/CNS composite; (f) Mo, C and O element mappings and (g-i) TEM images of the α-MoC_1-x/CNS composite

2. (a) XRD patterns of the α-MoC_1-x/CNS composite and its precursor; (b) Mo 3d and (c) O 1s XPS spectra, (d) N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherm (inset: pore size distribution), (e) Raman spectrum, (f) TGA curve (under air flow) of the α-MoC_1-x/CNS composite

3. (a) Photograph of the synthesized α-MoC_1-x/CNS-PP separator with positive and negative sides; (b) SEM image and (c) measurement of the electrolyte contact angle for Celgard 2400 separator; (d) Typical cross-sectional, (e) surface SEM images and (f) measurement of the electrolyte contact angle for α-MoC_1-x/CNS-PP separator; (g-i) Corresponding elemental mappings of C, O, Mo in (e)

4. Cyclic voltammograms of the Li-S battery with (a) Celgard 2400 separator and (b) α-MoC_1-x/CNS-PP separator; (c) Rate performances with different separators at various current densities; (d) Charge-discharge voltage profiles at various current densities of the Li-S battery with α-MoC_1-x/CNS-PP separator

5. Electrochemical impedance plots of Li-S battery with α-MoC_1-x/CNS-PP separator (a) before and (b) after 30 cycles

6. Cycling performance of the Li-S battery with (a, c) Celgard 2400 separator and (b, d) α-MoC_1-x/CNS-PP separator at (a-b) 0.5C and (c-d) 1C

7. Self-discharge tests for lithium sulfur batteries with Celgard 2400 separator or α-MoC_1-x/CNS-PP separator

8. (a) XPS survey spectra of α-MoC_1-x/CNS and α-MoC_1-x/CNS-Li₂S₆; (b) Mo3d and (c) S2p XPS core level spectra of α-MoC_1-x/CNS-Li₂S₆