Polish lignite was carbonized at 400 degrees C for 15 min and activated by heating with NaOH (2:1) in Ar at 600 degrees C for 20 mm, washed with aq. HCl and hot water and studied for porosity by N-2 adsorption-desorption, surface acidity by potentiometric titrn. and I-2 no. The activated C produced showed well-developed surface area, large pore vol. and good sorption properties. The majority of the samples showed strongly micro porous structure and acidic surface. The best physicochem. properties and highest sorption capacity towards I-2 were found for the C sample produced by phys. mixing of the precursor with activating agent and then subjected to thermal activation at 600 degrees C.