Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a nanocomposite comprising shaped sulfur and a polymer layer coating the shaped sulfur. An alternative embodiment of the disclosure provides a method of synthesizing a nanocomposite. This method comprises forming a shaped sulfur. This may include preparing an aqueous solution of a sulfur-based ion and a micelle-forming agent, and adding a nucleating agent. The method further includes coating the shaped sulfur with a polymer layer. Another embodiment of the disclosure provides a cathode comprising nanocomposites of the present disclosure, and batteries incorporating such cathodes.