In contrast, the first cycle of cyclic voltammetry for the S@PAN cathode (Figure ) revealed significant differences, characterized by a large and robust peak between 1.5-1.0 V and a broad peak from 1.0-0.5 V, suggesting complex lithiation processes involving various sites and species. In subsequent cycles, cathodic peaks shifted to higher voltages and stabilized, indicating a typical activation was underwent during first cycle, with improved conductivity and/or a change in the reaction mechanism. Initially, the S@PAN cathode also faced a low CE of around 70%, attributed primarily to the formation of a cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) and some irreversible capacity due to the carbonized polymer backbone.