A simple process was proposed to improve performance of natural graphite (NG) by coke coating as negative material for Li-ion batteries. The coating was conducted by heat-treatment of mixture of natural graphite and Span80 (sorbitan monooleate) at 700°C under protection of argon, and decreased the surface area, leading to significant decrease of the initial irreversible capacity. The coated NG exhibits much better electrochemical performance than that of untreated one. © J. New. Mat. Electrochem. Systems.