In winter 2010, the carbon plasma-facing components (PFCs) of HT-7 were changed for molybdenum PFCs. The surface area of the wall that was covered with Mo was about 1.28 m2. In the following experimental campaign, the plasma was first operated with Mo PFCs; then 28 successive lithium coatings were carried out (for a total of 350 g Li); finally, 3 g of carborane were filmed to the PFCs. In each phase, the characteristics of hydrogenic species retention were investigated as well as the energy confinement and recycling properties, offering a good opportunity for comparing similar discharges. With Mo PFCs, significant wall outgassing is generally observed and, in all cases, less than 10% of the puffed fuel is trapped, corresponding to a retention rate of around a few Pa l s−1 (1018 atom s−1); energy confinement is poor, mainly due to huge central radiation. When the PFCs are covered by lithium, about 40–80% of the puffed gas is trapped and the retention rate is 102–103 Pa l s−1 (1020–1021 atom s−1); good confinement properties are recorded, and the radiation remains located at the edge. After boronization, about 70–80% of the puffed deuterium is trapped and the retention rate is a few 102 Pa l s−1 (1020 atom s−1); the energy confinement is not as good as with Li coating, and significant radiation is measured in the plasma core.