This study evaluates exhausted carbon nanotubes regenerated by desorption processes using 1mM NaOH and microwave irradiation processes. Kinetic analyses of re-adsorption were performed using pseudo first- and second-order models. Regression results revealed that a pseudo first-order model accurately captured re-adsorption kinetics. The regeneration efficiency was 28, 30, 35 and 44% at 18, 28, 38 and 48 degrees C using desorption agent of 1mM NaOH for 24 h, respectively. Microwave power was considered the most important factor in regeneration experiments, as the temperature reached by exhausted CNTs was directly related to microwave power in this study. Additionally, microwave regeneration was more effective than the desorption agent of NaOH. The most effective conditions for regenerating exhausted CNTs were a microwave power input of 1000 W for 20 min. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V.