Different graphite fluorides were prepared by three different synthesis ways: fluorination at room temperature, at 600 degrees C, and refluorination at 400 and 530 degrees C of a fluorinated graphite prepared at room temperature. All the samples have been characterized by F-19 MAS NMR and FT-IR spectroscopies. Their electrochemical performances as cathode materials in primary lithium batteries have been investigated at room temperature and at 60 degrees C and as a function of the current density. Ageing behavior has been also studied using some liquid electrolytes. Refluorinated sample at 400 degrees C exhibits the best performances because of both its good average discharge potential and its discharge capacity, i.e. 2.54 degrees C and 848 Ah kg(-1), respectively. For this sample, the best specific energy density and specific power density are 2149 Wh kg(-1) and 902 W kg(-1), respectively. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.