Activated carbons are promising materials for nitrogen dioxide adsorption. The synthesis, the characterization of activated carbons and their adsorption performance toward nitrogen dioxide are here reviewed. Particular attention is given to the synthesis methods and their effects on the textural, structural and surface chemistry properties of activated carbons. Then, the application for the removal of NO2 and the related interaction mechanisms are discussed through a focus on the role of their porous texture and surface chemistry. From the available published data, the relation between the activated carbons performance and their physico-chemical properties has been presented. Furthermore, a mechanism including physisorption, reduction and chemisorption of NO2 on activated carbons has been proposed.