Fig. 1 shows the N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms of the ACs derived from the raw/demineralized peat samples using different activation agents (H3PO4 and ZnCl2). The ACs derived from the demineralized peat consistently show a slightly higher N2 adsorption capacity than those from the raw peat, suggesting greater surface area and porosity in the ACs from the demineralized precursor.