Activated carbon

Activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal, is a form of carbon that has been processed to create a large surface area, making it extremely adsorbent. It's primarily derived from organic materials with high carbon content, such as wood, coconut shells, and coal. It has a wide range of applications in both industrial and medical fields due to its excellent ability to bind and remove certain contaminants, including gases, organic compounds, and trace metals.

Production

Activated carbon is generally produced by heating high-carbon content materials, such as wood, peat, coconut shells, or certain coals, to high temperatures in an oxygen-depleted environment, a process known as pyrolysis. This initial char is then 'activated' in a furnace at high temperatures of 800-1000°C with steam and sometimes other chemicals. This activation process increases its surface area and porosity, which are crucial for its adsorptive properties.

Properties

The primary characteristic that defines activated carbon is its large surface area - typically 1 gram of activated carbon has a surface area of approximately 3000 m². This large surface area is due to the network of fine pores that permeate the carbon's structure. The pores are classified as micropores, mesopores, and macropores, depending on their diameter. This porosity enables it to adsorb a wide variety of substances from gases to liquids, making it highly versatile.

Applications

Activated carbon is used extensively in water purification, air filtration, and in the treatment of poisoning and overdoses in medical applications. It selectively adsorbs and removes certain contaminants, including chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and certain heavy metals from water. In air filters, it helps eliminate odors and harmful gases.

In medical applications, activated carbon is often used in oral treatments to adsorb and neutralize certain toxins and poisons from the digestive system. However, it's not effective against all types of poisons and should be administered under medical supervision.

Health and Safety Considerations

While generally recognized as safe, handling activated carbon requires some caution. Inhalation of activated carbon dust can irritate the lungs and mucous membranes. Also, while it's often used to treat poisonings, it's not universally effective against all toxins and should be used under the direction of a healthcare professional.

See also

• Carbon
• Water purification
• Air filtration
• Adsorption

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