Microporous carbon (MC) with a high surface area has been prepared from cornstalks through carbonization and KOH activation. The surface area of the obtained product varies to some extent but the pore size of the material remains within the micropore region as the concentration of KOH activating agent is increased. The MC we prepared exhibits H(2) adsorption capacities up to 4.4 wt% at 77 K and this material is also able to adsorb considerable amounts of CH(4) and CO(2). The high adsorption capacities for gases are attributed to the relatively narrow pore size and the high surface area of the porous carbon material. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.