Being simple, inexpensive, scalable and environmentally friendly, microporous biomass biochars have been attracting enthusiastic attention for application in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Herein, porous bamboo biochar is activated via a KOH/annealing process that creates a microporous structure, boosts surface area and enhances electronic conductivity. The treated sample is used to encapsulate sulfur to prepare a microporous bamboo carbon-sulfur (BC-S) nanocomposite for use as the cathode for Li-S batteries for the first time. The BC-S nanocomposite with 50 wt.% sulfur content delivers a high initial capacity of 1,295 mA center dot h/g at a low discharge rate of 160 mA/g and high capacity retention of 550 mA center dot h/g after 150 cycles at a high discharge rate of 800 mA/g with excellent coulombic efficiency (a (c) 3/495%). This suggests that the BC-S nanocomposite could be a promising cathode material for Li-S batteries.