The charge and discharge characteristics of lithium batteries with sulfur composite cathodes have been investigated. The sulfur composites showed novel electrochemical characteristics. Almost all sulfur in the composites was reduced to Li2S in the first discharge process and the capacity stabilized at ca. 700 mAh/g and utilization of sulfur corresponded to be above 90%, plus good cyclability. Charged and discharged at relatively high current density, the specific capacity remained above 600 mAh/g and the charge/discharge efficiencies were about 99%. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V.. All rights reserved.