Activated carbon powders (ACPs) with unique morphologies were prepared from wool fibers by chemical activation at different carbonization temperatures and impregnation ratios. These materials were characterized by elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), adsorption/desorption of N-2 and methylene blue (MB) adsorption. The surface properties of the activated carbon powders (ACPs) were significantly influenced by the activation temperature and activation process. ACPs activated by 2-step K2CO3 (K2CO3/char value of 2) at 600 degrees C had a high surface area (438 m(2) g(-1)), and a large pore volume (0.197 cm(2) g(-1)) with an average pore diameter of 0.858 nm. They were also very efficient in the adsorption of MB. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.