What is Activated Carbon?

Activated carbon is any form of carbon processed material with an increased surface area for a higher absorption rate. Since a carbon-based material can absorb thousands of organic and inorganic substances, it’s a popular filtration media since ancient times. There are many applications for activated carbon, including air purification, water treatment, medicine, decaffeination, air filters in respirators, and many other uses for the carbon-based substance.

What are the Raw Materials Used to Produce Activated Carbon?

Activated carbon comes from various carbonaceous raw materials, including coconut shells, petroleum coke, bituminous and lignite coal, and other wood materials. Each of the carbonaceous raw material produces various characteristics that may improve the performance of the filter media. Raw materials like coconut shells produce high-quality activated carbon commonly used in various filtration applications.

Pore Structure

Pore structure refers to the cylindrical opening, which is a minute distance between the surfaces of the pores. The pore structure of various activated carbon materials differs from one another. Smaller pore openings known as microporosity are effective in removing trace matters and absorbing low boiling point organic vapors and molecular weight. On the other end, larger pores, known as macroporosity, can do a decent job in removing contaminants.

Particle Size

The size of every activated carbon varies from one another. While the particle sizes of each substance are slightly smaller or larger than the other, it doesn’t mean they can’t do the absorbing function like the others. However, better absorption of the contaminants increases as the particle size decreases in activated carbon.

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