WhileLi–S batteries are poised to be the next generationhigh-density energy storage devices, low sulfur utilization and slowrate performance have limited their practical applications. Here,we report the synthesis of monodispersed S8nanoparticles(NPs) with different diameter and the nanosize dependent kinetic characteristicsof the corresponding Li–S batteries. Most remarkably, 5 nmS NPs display the theoretical discharging/charging capacity of 1672mAh g–1at 0.1 C rate and a discharge capacity of1089 mAh g–1at 4 C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]