This study consisted in optimizing the adsorption capacity of activated carbon from the peanut shell for the removal of the yellow dye 11 (CJ 11) in solution. The active carbons are derived from the peanut shells of the subspecies hypogaea (Arachis hypogaea ssp.hypogaea) of the Virginia type derived from Mankono and subspecies fastigiata (Arachis hypogaea ssp. fastigiata) of the Spanish type from Kani. and Séguela. Peanut shells underwent pyrolysis preceded by chemical impregnation with orthophosphoric acid. The analysis of the results indicates that for the preparation of an optimal activated carbon from the Virginia sub-species hypogaea (Arachis hypogaea ssp. hypogaea) from Kani, an acid concentration of 30% are required and carbonization temperature at 600 ° C for 3 h. This active carbon, which has a predominantly acid surface (92.7% of the total surface area), has an ash content of 3.1%, a degree of activation of 24%, an iodine value of 955.04 mg / g and a surface area of 706.92 m2 / g. The adsorption tests reveal that the Spanish-derived fastigiata (Arachis hypogaea ssp. fastigiata) derived from kani adsorbs the yellow dye better than the other two. And this adsorption capacity increases with the optimal conditions of preparation.