Cryolitic vein XPS imaging from an industrial grade carbon

► Cryolitic vein was isolated from an industrial graphitic crucible. ► Carburation phenomenon was studied using XPS imaging. ► PCA treatment substantially reduced acquisition time. ► Presence of Al4C3, Al2OC, Al4O4C and graphite was confirmed and spatially tracked. ► XPS imaging appears to be suitable to further cathode wear mechanism understanding.