Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical cell comprising an anode; an electrolyte having a solubility for sulfur-containing species of less than 15 mM; a cathode comprising greater than 65 wt. % sulfur, wherein the cathode comprises a carbon-sulfur composite material; and wherein the composite material comprises greater than 65 weight % sulfur based on the total weight of the composite material; and wherein the carbon sulfur composite material is formed from an electroconductive carbon material having an average pore volume of 1.5?3 cm3 g?1 and an average pore diameter of less than 3 nm.