The influence of Ar-H-2-SF6 plasma on the surface structure and electrochemical properties of mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB) was studied by treating MCMB with Ar-H-2-SF6 radio-frequency inductively coupled thermal plasma. The results demonstrated that the plasma-induced surface modifications depend on the plasma conditions, especially the plasma pressure, and that the electrochemical properties of plasma-treated MCMB depend on the rate of SF6 flow. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.