The Surface structure and the anode performance of lithium ion rechargeable batteries, made with MCMB and Ar-H-2-SF6-Plasmatreated powders, have been studied under comparative conditions. The treatment process, producing surface modification and the introduction of sulfur and fluorine into the particles by the Ar-H-2-SF6 plasma, greatly improved the electrochemical properties of the powder. The lithium ion rechargeable cell with plasma-treated powder anode had a discharge capacity as much as 13% greater than the untreated powder anode cell, while its irreversible capacity loss (ICL) was as much as 14% less. The intended function of the incorporated sulfur and fluorine and the surface modification were their contributions to anode properties improvement. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.