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Activated Carbon: Basic Introduction

Apr 09,2026

Overview of Activated Carbon。Activated carbon, also called activated charcoal, is a carbonaceous material with highly developed pore structure and strong physical adsorption capacity, produced by carbonization and activation of carbon-containing raw materials. Activation is the core process. Through physical or chemical methods at high temperatures, it etches carbon atoms and removes impurities to form abundant pores, greatly increasing specific surface area and adsorption performance.

Overview of Activated Carbon

Activated carbon, also called activated charcoal, is a carbonaceous material with highly developed pore structure and strong physical adsorption capacity, produced by carbonization and activation of carbon-containing raw materials.

Activation is the core process. Through physical or chemical methods at high temperatures, it etches carbon atoms and removes impurities to form abundant pores, greatly increasing specific surface area and adsorption performance.

Structure

Activated carbon consists of graphitized microcrystals and amorphous carbon, with interconnected tree-like pores.

By IUPAC classification:

Macropores: > 50 nm
Mesopores: 2–50 nm
Micropores: < 2 nm

Macropores adsorb large molecules; micropores adsorb small molecules.

Physicochemical Properties

Black, highly adsorptive, chemically stable, acid and alkali resistant, waterproof, heat-resistant, lighter than water, and hydrophobic.

Classification

By raw material (Chinese standard GB/T 32560-2016)

Coal-based activated carbon
Wood-based activated carbon
Synthetic material activated carbon
Other types

By shape

Powdered, granular, extruded, cylindrical, spherical, activated carbon fiber, honeycomb activated carbon, etc.

Key Technical Indicators

Specific surface area: 500–1300 m²/g
Hardness and abrasion resistance
Iodine value: 600–1000 (adsorption of small molecules)
Molasses number: 100–500 (adsorption of large molecules)

Preparation Methods

Physical activation: Carbonized material reacts with steam, CO₂ or air at about 1000°C.
Chemical activation: Raw materials mixed with chemicals such as zinc chloride to enhance pore development.

Main Applications

Water treatment: Removes residual chlorine, odors, pesticides and organic pollutants.
Air purification: Adsorbs formaldehyde, TVOC, smoke and odors.
Industry: Wastewater treatment, precious metal recovery, sugar and food decolorization.
Medical use: Medical-grade activated carbon acts as an antidote to absorb toxins in the digestive tract.

Regeneration

Activated carbon regeneration removes adsorbed substances without damaging its structure, restoring adsorption capacity for reuse, which saves cost and resources.