Synthesis of highly electrochemically active Li2S nanoparticles for lithium-sulfur-batteriesElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: S1: discharge capacity of cathodes from pristine Li2SO4·H2O reduced at 900 °C. S2: SEM image of 84 h ball milled Li2SO4·H2O. See DOI: 10.1039/c5ta04504e

Carbothermal reduction of lithium sulfate below its melting point was used to produce sub-micron sized lithium sulfide particles which retain the morphology of the source particle. Using a lithium polysulfide-doped ether electrolyte, significantly enhanced activation of lithium sulfide could be accomplished in battery cells, achieving high discharge capacities up to 1360 mA h g sulfur −1 at a 0.1C rate. Showing an economically viable and scalable reaction routine for future lithium-sulfur-batteries. Carbothermal reduction of lithium sulfate below its melting point was used to produce sub-micron sized lithium sulfide particles which retain the morphology of the source particle and achieve high discharge capacities up to 1360 mA h g sulfur −1 .