Modified graphite substrates with improved stability

A graphitic electrode substrate produced by a process comprising:

• heating a graphitic carbon electrode substrate in a heating cavity by applying heat within the heating cavity by a heat source to a first temperature of at least 600° C.;
• maintaining, via controlled heating by the heat source, the graphitic carbon electrode substrate at the first temperature for a first duration of at least 20 minutes;
• reducing a temperature of the graphitic carbon electrode substrate from the first temperature to a second temperature over a second duration of at least 10 minutes, wherein the second temperature falls within a second range of between 450-500° C.;
• and
• further reducing the temperature of the graphitic carbon electrode substrate from the second temperature to a third temperature over a third duration of at least 5 minutes, wherein the third temperature falls within a third range of between 180-270° C., generating a treated graphitic carbon electrode substrate.

A graphitic electrode substrate produced by a process comprising:

• heating a graphitic carbon electrode substrate in a heating cavity by applying heat within the heating cavity by a heat source to a first temperature of at least 600° C.;
• maintaining the graphitic carbon electrode substrate at the first temperature for a first duration;
• reducing a temperature of the graphitic carbon electrode substrate from the first temperature to a second temperature at a first cooling rate;
• and
• further reducing the temperature of the graphitic carbon electrode substrate from the second temperature to a third temperature at a second cooling rate greater than the first cooling rate, generating a treated graphitic carbon electrode substrate.

An electrochemical system comprising:

• one or more circuit elements comprising a power supply;
• an electrical device in electrical communication with the one or more circuit elements;
• a graphitic carbon electrode electrically coupled to the electrical device;
• and
• a counter electrode in electrical communication with the one or more circuit elements.