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Activated Carbon: Basic Introduction
Time : 2026-04-09
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.
