Adsorption of p-chlorophenol onto microporous activated carbon from Albizia lebbeck seed pods by one-step microwave assisted activation

► Microporous carbon was prepared from Albizia lebbek seed pods. ► One-step microwave activation was adopted for preparation. ► High surface area of 1676.6 m2/g was characterized. ► Maximum capacity of 300.6 mg/g was reported for p-chlorophenol. ► Sorption mechanisms of p-chlorophenol were illustrated.