Abstract
Cellulosic and carbonaceous materials on hydrolysis and activation yield furfural and active carbon compounds of high utility. Poplar (Populus nigra) was hydrolyzed with various concentrations of sulphuric and hydrochloric acids to get furfural. The residue left after the extraction of furfural was directly activated at 700°Cto produce active carbon. The prepared carbon was checked for its adsorption capacity using iodine and methylene blue. Significant yields of high quality furfural and active carbon were obtained. Furthermore, sulphuric acid proved to be a better hydrolyzing agent as compared to hydrochloric acid. Key words: active carbon, furfural, hydrochloric and sulphuric acids, poplar
