Activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal, is a form of carbon that has been processed to make it highly porous and adsorbent. This unique structure gives activated carbon the ability to trap and remove a wide range of impurities from liquids, gases, and other materials.
Activated carbon is made from a variety of raw materials, including coal, coconut shells, and wood. The raw material is first carbonized, which involves heating it to high temperatures in the absence of oxygen. This process removes any non-carbon elements and leaves behind a porous and highly adsorbent form of carbon.
Activated carbon is then "activated" by treating it with an oxidizing agent, such as steam or chemical compounds, to create thousands of tiny pores between the carbon atoms. These pores increase the surface area of the carbon, making it even more effective at trapping impurities.
Activated carbon is used in a variety of applications, including water purification, air purification, and chemical purification.
In water treatment, activated carbon is used to remove impurities such as chlorine, chloramines, pesticides, and other dissolved organic compounds. It is often used in conjunction with other water treatment methods, such as reverse osmosis or ion exchange, to achieve the highest level of purification. Activated carbon filters are commonly found in household water filtration systems and larger-scale municipal water treatment plants.
In air purification, activated carbon is used to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, and cigarette smoke. Activated carbon filters are often used in air purifiers, HVAC systems, and industrial air filtration systems.
In chemical purification, activated carbon is used to purify a wide range of chemicals and gases. It is often used in the production of pharmaceuticals, food and beverage products, and other industrial chemicals. It can also be used to purify gas streams in power plants and other industrial facilities.
Activated carbon is also utilized in the field of medicine, it can be used as an emergency treatment for certain types of poisonings, such as drug overdose, as it can adsorb the toxic substances from the stomach before they are absorbed into the body.
Overall, activated carbon is a versatile and powerful purification tool that is used in a wide range of applications. Its ability to trap and remove impurities from liquids, gases, and other materials makes it an essential part of many purification processes.
