Effect on discharge of the heat treatment of graphite fluoride under a hydrogen atmosphere

Thermal decomposition of two types of graphite fluorides (CF) n and (CF) n , has been carried out in a hydrogen atmosphere at several temperatures between 100 and 500°C, with the object of improving the initial discharge behaviour of the Li/graphite flouride cell. The main reaction was the C-F bond rupture to form graphite-like carbon around the particle surface. The drop in cell voltage at the beginning of discharge could be minimized, and the polarization during discharge reduced by heat treatment under a hydrogen atmosphere. (CF) n , heat treated at 400°C for 1 h, yielded a discharge capacity of 730–800 mA h per g of active material, corresponding to the discharge efficiency of 83∼90% at 25°C, and (C2F) n , heat treated at 350°C, for 10h, gave 670 mA h g−1, corresponding to 91 % at 25°C.