The surface characterisation of new activated carbons produced from tire residues by
activation with carbon dioxide was studied. The activated carbons produced were mainly basic with
point of zero charge values above 8.8. The main surface functional groups identified by FTIR were
ether, quinones, lactones, ketones, hydroxyls (free and phenol) and pyrones. The XRD analysis
shows that the materials produced have a microstructural organisation with microcrystallite height
around 1.5nm and width from 3 to 5.3nm. This analysis indicates also the possible presence of
oxides (single or mixture) of the following heteroatoms: Fe, Al, Ca, Mg, Ti, Si, K, Pb, Cd, Ba, Zn
and Sn. The results have shown the significant potential of this type of residues for activated carbon
production. Furthermore, the environment friendly use of an industrial residue is also noteworthy
