Porous carbon and graphite are both porous materials and have many similarities in terms of their properties. There are, however, important differences between them and the purpose of this article is to explain those differences.
Porous carbon has a wide range of applications in many different industries. Typically it is produced in a particle form and is often used to absorb pollutants and contaminants, to filter water and air, or to serve as a catalyst in chemical reactions. It has a high surface area and is extremely lightweight, making it ideal for use in applications requiring a porous material that is easy to handle.
Porous graphite, on the other hand, is a different material altogether. It is produced in sheets or blocks and is used primarily in special applications that require its unique properties. In comparison to porous carbon, porous graphite is stronger and less brittle, making it ideal for uses such as body armor and cryogenic storage containers. It is also highly temperature resistant and, like porous carbon, has a high surface area.
In terms of chemical composition, porous carbon generally consists of 85 percent to 95 percent pure carbon, with the remainder being made up of hydrocarbons and possibly metal ions. Porous graphite, meanwhile, has a much higher content of carbon and also includes impurities such as oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur.
In terms of production and availability, porous carbon is produced in a variety of forms and is readily available on the market. It is also relatively inexpensive and comes in a range of particle sizes. Porous graphite is rarer and more expensive, as it is typically made to order for particular applications.
In conclusion, porous carbon and porous graphite are both porous materials and have many similarities. However, there are also important differences, mainly in terms of their properties, chemical composition and production. Porous carbon is usually more readily available and less expensive, while porous graphite is more expensive and harder to come by.
