Activated carbon is a raw form of graphite (the substance that makes up the pencil core). The difference between activated carbon and graphite is that it has an incomplete and random structure that is highly porous and includes a wide range of pore sizes, from visible gaps to molecular dimensions. The structure of activated carbon is such that it has a very large surface area in light weight and has the highest volume of porosity among known materials. For example, about 3 grams of a high-quality activated carbon has a surface area larger than a football field. This feature gives active carbon the ability to adsorb a wide range of compounds.
Activated carbon can be made of various materials. In other words, any material with a high percentage of carbon element provides the possibility of making activated carbon. Nowadays, coconut shell, wood, coal, as well as pistachio and almond coal are used in the production of active carbon for industrial purposes. The type of raw material used to make activated carbon will have a direct impact on the quality, properties and performance of the final activated carbon. The process of making active carbon from these materials includes two stages of chemical treatment and heat treatment.
Technical Characteristics
Chemical Formula | C |
Special surface | Min 500 m2/gr |
Iodine number | 500-1200 mg/gr |
The appearance | black powder or granules |
Applications
- Gold mines
- Water treatment
- Catalyst
- Purification of gases, water and sewage
- Air filter
Environmental impact of Activated Carbon
No dangerous environmental effects have been reported for this chemical.
Safety Measures and Regulations for Handling
The disadvantages of activated carbon are only for special and very rare cases, and it is generally considered a safe substance. The disadvantages of activated carbon include nausea and vomiting, constipation and black stools.
Packing
Activated carbon is packed in jumbo bags or 25 kg bags.