Thermal decomposition of two types of graphite fluorides (CF)(n) and (C2F)(n), has been carried out in a hydrogen atmosphere at several temperatures between 100 and 500 degrees 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 degrees 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 similar to 90% at 25 degrees C, and (C2F)(n), heat treated at 350 degrees C, for 10 h, gave 670 mA h g(-1), corresponding to 91% at 25 degrees C.