| Summary: | This work presents a first approach concerning the valorization of Tectona Grandis tree by-products, from East Timor through their transformation into high activated carbon (AC) by chemical activation with KOH and K<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>. The better ACs, Teak-KOH-1-1-700 and Teak-K<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>-1-2-700, presented a high A<sub>BET</sub> (995 and 1132 m<sup>2</sup>·g<sup>−1</sup>) and micropore volume (0.43 and 0.5 cm<sup>3</sup>·g<sup>−1</sup>), respectively. Both ACs were tested on the removal of four pesticides, from the liquid phase. Both ACs performed better than existing commercial types, presenting a maximum adsorption capacity of 1.88, 1.67, 1.10 and 0.89 mmol·g<sup>−1</sup>, for 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, diuron and atrazine, respectively. Pesticide adsorption from diluted and concentrated solutions confirms that diffusion is the limiting factor. The possibility of implementing a production unit for ACs in East Timor is very promising for that country. It presents an opportunity for job creation, biomass waste reduction and a contribution to environmental sustainability, thereby following the principles of a circular economy.
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