Graphite oxide(GO) was successfully prepared by using expandable graphite, which is a new starting material instead of the normally adopted natural graphite. XRD and XPS data indicated that, in the same reaction condition due to the application of expandable graphite, the extent of oxidation for the product, GO, was considerably enhanced and the period required for oxidation was greatly shortened. In addition, the prepared GO was modified by surfactant, that is the new sample, S GO, was obtained. As a consequence the extended interlayer space has proved itself to be successfully intercalated by the surfactant.