Sample controlled thermal analysis (SCTA) can be used in several manners with respect to adsorbents. Almost 70% of adsorbent synthesis procedures involve a thermal step that can be adapted to a sample controlled method. In this respect, SCTA has been used for the preparation of activated alumina, calcination of zeolites and activation of carbons. The thermodesorption of adsorbed molecules can also be carried out using a sample controlled method. Here, both the surface area and pore volume of adsorbents can be assessed. Finally, SCTA can be highly beneficial in the thermal pretreatment of adsorbents prior to adsorption.