In this work, we will compare the ability to graphitize of two petroleum cokes, isotropic and anisotropic, and of two varieties of anthracites, in order to understand their subsequent ability to give exfoliated carbons. Both series of derived materials obtained by heat treatment (1500-2600 degreesC) of these four precursors are compared after the action of an excess of mixture containing water, perchloric acid, and nitric acid, which were used to obtain exfoliated graphite from very small particles. The intermediate products are shock heated to induce the thermal decomposition of the perchloric acid present either in the microtexture or in the graphitic structure. This ultimate treatment gave exfoliated materials, the specific surface of which strongly depends on the nature of the raw material, its ability to graphitize. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.