Study on graphite surface modification by non-electrode plasma electrolysis

A novel non-electrode plasma electrolysis technique was developed in the paper in order to rapidly prepare a coating on graphite. The coating was mainly composed of SiO2 with the thickness of ~ 7 µm. A small amount of SiC was also detected in the coating. The coating exhibited superior oxidation resistance at 1000 °C in air, evidenced by the visible polishing marks, smooth surface and the much decreased roughness from ~ 120 µm to ~ 50 µm. The simulation of thermal effects was conducted in order to establish the formation mechanism of the coating on graphite. We believe that the novel non-electrode plasma electrolysis technique will find a wide range of applications in preparing high-performance graphite and its composites.