Activated carbon is different from other forms of carbon because it goes through a special process. This process makes it very good at catching and holding onto other substances. It does this by creating lots of tiny holes and a very large inside surface area.
4 Key Processes That Activate Carbon
1. Carbonization Process
Drying Phase
First, the material is heated above 100°C. This helps to get rid of any water inside it. This step prepares the material for the next stage.
Thermal Decomposition
Next, the material is heated to between 260-300°C. This breaks down the organic parts, like cellulose and lignin. It releases gases like CO, CO2, and CH4. This leaves behind a carbon-rich material.
2. Activation Process
Thermal Activation
The carbon-rich material is then heated to very high temperatures. Sometimes, steam or carbon dioxide is added. This makes the material even more porous, which means it has more holes.
Chemical Activation
Another way to make the material porous is by using chemicals like phosphoric acid or zinc chloride. These chemicals help to create more holes in the carbon.
3. Properties of Activated Carbon
High Surface Area
The activation process makes the material have a huge inside surface area. Sometimes, it can be over 1,000 square meters per gram! This is what lets it catch lots of molecules.
Porous Structure
The material has pores of different sizes. This means it can catch a wide range of substances, from big molecules to small ions.
4. Applications of Activated Carbon
Water Treatment
Activated carbon is used to clean water by removing harmful things from it. This makes the water safer and better tasting.
Air Purification
It is also used in air purifiers to catch harmful gases and make the air cleaner.
Industrial Applications
In factories, activated carbon is used in many processes. For example, it helps to remove caffeine from coffee, purify gold, and recover solvents.
Comparison with Other Forms of Carbon
Charcoal vs. Activated Carbon
Both charcoal and activated carbon come from carbonization. But activated carbon goes through an extra step that makes it much better at catching substances.
Biochar
Biochar is also made from biomass. But it is usually used to improve soil, not for catching substances.
Understanding how activated carbon is made and what it can do is very important. It helps us use it well in many different areas, especially where catching substances is important.
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