Mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB) powders were treated in Ar-H-2, Ar-N-2, Ar-H-2-CO2, and Ar-N-2-CO2 RF inductively coupled plasmas (ICP). Plasma treatment modified the surface morphology, structure, and chemical composition of the powders. The surface of the Ar-N-2 plasma-treated particles was covered with a fine condensate, while the surface of Ar-N-2-CO2 plasma-treated particles became rough and had no condensate. The discharge capacity and first charge/discharge efficiency of the plasma-treated MCMB powders was higher than those of the original one. Plasma modification of MCMB gave rise to an improvement of the electrochemical properties making it suitable for use as the anode of a lithium-ion rechargeable battery. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.