Li-S batteries have been considered as one of advanced next-generation energy storage systems owing to their remarkable theoretical capacity(1672 mAh g-1)and high energy density(2600 Wh kg-1).However,critical issues,mainly pertaining to lithium polysulfide shuttle and slow sulfur reaction kinetics,have posed a fatal threat to the electrochemical performances of Li-S batteries.The situation is even worse for high sulfur-loaded and flexible cathodes,which are the essential components for practical Li-S bat-teries.In response,the use of metal compounds as electrocatalysts in Li-S systems have been confirmed as an effective strategy to date.Particularly,recent years have witnessed many progresses in phosphides-optimized Li-S chemistry.This has been motivated by the superior electron conductivity and high elec-trocatalytic activity of phosphides.In this tutorial review,we offer a systematic summary of active metal phosphides as promoters for Li-S chemistry,aiming at helping to understanding the working mechanism of phosphide electrocatalysts and guiding the construction of advanced Li-S batteries.