Activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal, is a form of carbon that has been processed to have a very large surface area. This makes it incredibly porous and gives it exceptional adsorption properties.
High Surface Area: A single gram of activated carbon can have a surface area of 500 to 3,000 square meters.
Pore Structure: It has a network of pores, including micropores, mesopores, and macropores, which allows it to adsorb a wide range of molecules.
Adsorption Capacity: It can effectively adsorb organic substances, volatile compounds, and toxins.
Chemical Inertness: It does not readily react with other substances.
Thermal Stability: It can withstand high temperatures.
Activated carbon is used in a variety of applications, including:
Water Purification: Removes impurities, contaminants, and odors from drinking water, wastewater, and industrial water.
Air Purification: Filters air to remove pollutants, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and odors. Used in respirators, air filters, and industrial gas processing.
Food and Beverage Industry: Decolorizes and purifies products like sugar, oils, and alcoholic beverages.
Medical Applications: Treats poisonings and overdoses by adsorbing toxins in the gastrointestinal tract. Also used in over-the-counter medications for diarrhea, indigestion, and flatulence.
Industrial Applications: Purifies electroplating solutions, recovers precious metals (like gold), and is used in chemical processing.
Environmental Protection: Removes pollutants from soil and water, and treats flue gas emissions.
