A novel graphene oxide (GO/sulfur (S) composite is developed by electrostatic self-assembly method. Remarkably, the core-shell structure of the composite and the GO support helps to retard the diffusion of polysulfides during the electrochemical cycling process. The GO/sulfur cathode presents enhanced cycling ability. Specific discharge capacities up to 494.7 mAhg(-1) over 200 cycles at 0.1 C is achieved with enhanced columbic efficiency around 95%, representing a good cathode material for lithium-sulfur batteries. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.