Activated Carbon and Its Formation
Activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal, is a type of carbon that has been treated with oxygen to open up millions of tiny pores between surface atoms. The special properties of activated carbon make it ideal for use in purification and filtration processes. It is a black, porous material with a wide variety of uses, including water purification, air purification, food processing, medical applications, and other industrial purposes.
The process of making activated carbon is called “activation”. The raw material used to make activated carbon can be almost any type of carbon-rich substance, such as coal, wood, coconut shells, or peat. The material is first heated to a high temperature in the absence of oxygen, which eliminates any existing organic matter. The material is then treated with steam or hot water, which creates numerous tiny pores on the surface of the material. Finally, the material is oxidized, usually with oxygen or chemical compounds, to open up the pores even further. This process of activation increases the surface area of the material and makes it much more efficient at absorbing and trapping contaminants.
Activated carbon can be used for many different applications, including air purification, water purification, food processing, and chemical filtration. In air purification, activated carbon is used to absorb various volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, and other gaseous pollutants, as well as many allergens, toxins, and irritants. In water purification, it is used to remove organic pollutants, pollutants caused by industry and agriculture, chlorine, and other contaminants. Activated carbon is commonly used in food processing to absorb odors, flavors, and colors, as well as to remove dangerous chemicals such as solvents, pesticides, and food additives.
Activated carbon is an extremely versatile material with a wide variety of uses. It is often used in combination with other purification technologies, such as filters and ion exchange, in order to increase the overall effectiveness of the purification process. The special properties of activated carbon also make it useful for medical applications such as wound dressings, filtration of air and liquids in hospitals, and toxic substance treatment.
The production of activated carbon from coal and other carbon-containing materials can have adverse environmental impacts, due to the burning of the materials to create the end product. However, if the production process is done properly, the resulting product is a highly effective, safe, and efficient method of purifying air, water, and other materials. Activated carbon is an important tool in environmental protection and will continue to play a vital role in ensuring the safety and quality of our surroundings.
