Abstract: Activated carbon with a high mesoporosity was prepared by yttrium-phenolic resin complex formation, carbonization and steam activation, using novolac phenolic resin as the carbon precursor. The resins and corresponding carbons were characterized by infrared spectrometry, thermogravimetry, nitrogen adsorption scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Results indicated that complexes were formed between yttrium and methyl methacrylate-grafted phenolic resin, and the corresponding activated carbon had a mesoporosity up to 88%. The formation of the complexes obviously improved the compatibility between the organic precursor and the inorganic salt, leading to a homogenous distribution of yttrium and its increased catalytic efficiency. And as a result, activated carbons rich in mesopores were obtained.