In order to bestow high electronic conductivity and prevent dissolution of sulfur into the electrolyte, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were prepared by thermal chemical vapor deposition as an inactive additive material for elemental sulfur positive electrodes for lithium/sulfur rechargeable batteries. The initial discharge capacity of elemental sulfur positive electrode with MWNT is 485 mAh/g sulfur at 2.0 V vs. Li/Li+. The cycle life and rate capability of sulfur cathode is increased with addition of MWNT. The MWNT shows a vital role on polysulfide adsorbtion and is a good electric conductor for a sulfur cathode. (C) 2003 The Electrochemical Society.