Activated carbons produced from coconut shells typically have a tighter, more microporous pore structure than their coal-based counterparts. This is due to the inherent pore structure of the raw material coconut shell as compared to raw material coals. This microporosity lends itself towards certain applications where activated carbon is used. Also, coconut shell-based carbons tend to be harder, more resistant to abrasion, and lower in ash than similar grades of coal-based carbons.