The conditions for the preparation of activated carbon from flamboyant pods treated with NaOH were optimized through response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite rotatable design (CCRD). The effects of the activation temperature, activation time, and impregnation ratio were studied from the BET surface area, micropore volume, and yield results. The results showed that the activation temperature and the impregnation ratio are the factors that most influence the activated carbon production. Activation temperature of 761.70 degrees C, activation time of 0.86 h, and impregnation ratio (NaOH:char) of 3.46 led to BET surface area, micropore volume, and yield values of 2854 m(2) g(-1), 1.44 cm(3) g(-1), and 10.80%, respectively. Porosity parameters and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the activated carbon obtained under optimal conditions. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.