Peanut hull activated pyrolytic carbon (PHAPC) was prepared from discarded peanut hull with NaCl as activator by a simple one-step molten salt pyrolysis method. The structure, morphology and electrochemical properties of the materials were investigated by SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, BET, CV and EIS. Compared with peanut hull pyrolysis carbon (PHPC) without molten salt activation, PHAPC presented richer pore structure and larger specific surface area, while exhibiting superior conductibility and electrochemical properties. The PHAPC or PHPC was modified on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The electrochemical behavior of rutin at these electrode (PHAPC/GCE or PHPC/GCE) was investigated by DPV. The results showed that the PHAPC/GCE showed higher electrochemical activity towards rutin than the PHPC/GCE. When the concentration of rutin was within the range of 0.05~10.00 μmol/L, the electrochemical current of rutin on PHAPC/GCE showed a linear relationship, with a detection limit of 0.05 μmol/L (S/N=3) and a sensitivity of 83.61 μA?(μmol/L)-1?cm?2. Moreover, the relative standard deviation (RSD) found 3.06% indicating good reproducibility of the electrode. The standard addition method was used for the detection of rutin in rutin tablets with excellent recovery percentages from 96.0％~101.5％.