A lab-scale pyrolysis reactor was utilized to investigate the effect of pyrolysis temperature ( 300-700 degrees C) on the yield, quality, and energy distribution of products issued from the pyrolysis polygeneration of pine nut shells. Afterward, activated carbon was prepared from biochar using the steam activation method. Pyrolysis temperatures ranging from 500 to 600 degrees C were found to be optimal in inducing products with improved properties, such as higher heating values of non-condensable gas, lower water content and elevated heating values of bio-oil, and substantial fixed carbon content and greater specific surface area of biochar. In addition, it was noticed that the activation conditions had a significant effect on the yield and adsorption performance of the activated carbon. As a result, activated carbon with elevated specific surface area reaching 1057.8 m(2)/g was obtained at the optimal conditions of 850 degrees C activation temperature, 80 min activation time, and 1.5 steam/biochar ratio. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.