Abstract: Novel polyarylamide derived activated carbon materials are provided by a process comprising the carbonization of polyarylamide fibre at a temperature in excess or 400.degree. C. followed by activation at elevated temperature. The novel materials have the ability to adsorb relatively large quantities or carbon dioxide compared to other activated carbonized polymer materials, Preferably the carbonization and activation steps are carried out by raising the temperature of the materials to between 840.degree. C. and 880.degree. C. in carbonizing/activating atmospheres respectively.

Abstract: A method of preparing a fibrous activated carbon including the steps of carbonizing and activating cellulose fibre at temperatures between 200.degree. C. and 1000.degree. C. in an inert atmosphere, characterized in that, prior to activation, the fibre is impregnated with an impregnating material comprising, in the form of one or more compounds, boron and at least one alkali metal.