Embodiments of the claimed invention are directed to a device, comprising: an anode that includes a lithiated silicon-based material and a sulfur-based cathode, wherein the anode and the cathode are designed to have mesoporous structures. In certain embodiments, the sulfur-based cathode is a mesoporous carbon structure comprising sulfur within the mesopores. A further embodiment of the invention is directed to a device comprising a semi-liquid lithium-sulfur battery comprising a lithium anode and a sulfur cathode. In certain embodiments, the sulfur cathode comprises a liquid catholyte, which is housed within a reservoir that is a carbon nanotube sponge. An additional embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for producing a lithiated silicon anode and a sulfur-based cathode.