Activated carbon is produced from materials which contain a high content of carbon, such as coal, wood and coconut shells. The carbon undergoes a steam or chemical activation process which expands the pore structure of the material and produces a large internal surface area. Internal surface areas of 800 to 1200m²/g can be produced, making activated carbon an efficient and effective adsorbent. Activated carbon is available in granular, pellet, and powder forms.