The disclosure relates, in various embodiments, to methods for forming activated carbon comprising (a) providing a feedstock mixture comprising a carbon feedstock, at least one activating agent chosen from alkali metal hydroxides, and at least one additive chosen from fats, oils, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, and polyhydroxylated compounds to form a feedstock mixture; (b) optionally heating the feedstock mixture to a first temperature, and when a step of heating the feedstock mixture to a first temperature is performed, optionally holding the feedstock mixture at the first temperature for a time sufficient to react the at least one activating agent with the at least one additive; (c) optionally milling and/or grinding the feedstock mixture; (d) heating the feedstock mixture to an activation temperature; and (e) holding the feedstock mixture at the activation temperature for a time sufficient to form activated carbon.