A process for binding sulfur to carbon to form carbon polysulfide is described that better secures sulfur to the cathode in a lithium-sulfur battery during lithium oxidation and reduction. The process includes selecting a suitable carbon precursor, blending it with sulfur and an organic solvent and mill the combination to make a fine particle size mix and then driving off the solvent along with species that have been dissolved in the solvent. The remaining carbon precursor and sulfur are heated in an inert environment at a temperature between about 300° C. and about 550° C. to chemically bind the sulfur and the carbon to form carbon polysulfide suitable for use as a cathode powder in a lithium-sulfur battery.