A Li3N protection layer is fabricated on the surface of a Li anode by an in situ method to suppress the shuttle effect on the basis of anode protection. The discharge capacity is retained at 773 mA h g(-1) after 500 cycles with an average coulombic efficiency of 92.3% in the electrolyte without LiNO3, while the sulfur loading of the simple sulfur cathode was 2.5-3 mg cm(-2).