CONDUCTIVE MATRIX AND SULFUR COMPOSITE

An activated carbon-coated carbon black material having a nitrogen BET surface area of about 850 to 1800 m/g, a packing density of at least 0.8 g/cc as determined at a compressive force of 500 kgf/cmon dry carbon powder, an electrical conductivity of a least 10 S/cm at a compressive force of 500 kgf/cmon dry carbon powder and electrodes and batteries comprising the carbon material. Methods for preparing such carbon materials from sugar, dextrose, oils and carbon black are described. The material is comprised of carbon black particles coated with a porous activated carbon shell.