The volatile organic compounds (VOC) adsorption and VOC desorption properties of charcoals, woodceramics and steam activated charcoals prepared from various source biomasses were characterized by thermal analysis. VOC adsorption properties were evaluated by the rapid method for VOC evolved from wood materials using TG and headspace GC. VOC desorption properties were evaluated by EGA-Ion Attachment-MS. A wide range in VOC adsorption and VOC desorption properties was observed, and was correlated with source materials and carbonized temperatures.