The performance of all-solid-state lithium sulfur (Li/S) batteries is investigated for some types of conductive materials. The surface area of the conductive material is found to have a greater influence on the battery performance compared with its electronic conductivity. All-solid-state Li/S cells prepared using a positive activated-carbon-based composite electrode exhibit an excellent cycling performance with a reversible capacity of over 1600 mAh g(-1) after 100 cycles at 1.3 mA cm(-2) (1C) at 25 degrees C. Furthermore, the positive composite electrode exhibits a high power density of over 11000 W kg(-1) at 50% state of charge. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.