The discharge charge process of the porous sulfur/carbon nanocomposite cathode has been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results indicate that the porous nanocomposite enhances the electrolyte infiltrate into the cathode materials evenly, has a good capability of confining the soluble polysulfides and preventing the aggregation of insoluble Li2S. The regenerated elemental sulfur of the porous sulfur/ carbon nanocomposite cathode exists in nano-size particles in the pore and the resistance decreases compared with the original cathode. Moreover, the porous nanocomposite realizes the micro-reactors during the discharge charge process and can accommodate the volume change which is benefit for stabilization of the cathode during the electrochemical reaction. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.