Hierarchical MoS2/SnO2 nanocomposites are synthesized via a two-step hydrothermal method, and SnO2 are uniformly loaded on the surface of MoS2 nanosheets. As the cathode of lithium-sulfur battery, the nanocomposites exhibit high capacity and cyclability. The reversible capacity is up to 900 mAh g (1) after 80 cycles at 0.2 C rate. The superior electrochemical performance can be attributed to that the diffusion of lithium polysulfide can be greatly inhibited by the loading of SnO2 nanoparticles. The metallic Mo particles embedded in the system can increase the conductance of the composites. The present results indicate that hierarchical MoS2-based nanocomposites are good candidates for the cathode of lithium-sulfur battery. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.