Method for the production of low ash activated charcoal

Activated charcoal produced by a method for the production of low ash activated charcoal from carbon-containing raw material, the method comprising the steps of:

• subjecting a damp mass of raw material to a single- or multistage hydrothermal carbonization process, in which the mass of raw material is heated to a temperature of 150 to 350° C. and the process pressure increased to 10 to 40 bar;
• and
• activation of the carbonized material obtained from the drying step following the hydrothermal carbonization process in order to increase the carbon content and porosity by heating said material to a temperature above 400° C. and by using steam, carbon dioxide or activation chemicals or a mixture thereof in the activation.

The use of carbonized material obtained from the hydrothermal carbonization process for the production of activated charcoal.