Description

Activated carbonActivated carbon, also called activated charcoal,

activated coal, or carbo activatus, is a form of carbon processed to be

riddled with small, low-volume pores that increase the surface area

available for adsorption or chemical reactions. Activated is

sometimes substituted with active.

Due to its high degree of microporosity, just one gram of activated

carbon has a surface area in excess of **0 m2, as determined by

adsorption isotherms of carbon dioxide gas at room or 0.0 °C

temperature. An activation level sufficient for useful application may

be attained solely from high surface area; however, further chemical

treatment often enhances adsorption properties.

Activated carbon is usually derived from charcoal.

Properties:
A gram of activated carbon can have a surface area in excess of **0 m2,

with ***0 m2 being readily achievable. Carbon aerogels, while more

expensive, have even higher surface areas, and are used in special

applications.

Classification:
Activated carbons are complex products which are difficult to classify

on the basis of their behaviour, surface characteristics and

preparation methods. However, some broad classification is made for

general purpose based on their physical characteristics.

Applications:
Activated carbon is used in gas purification,decaffeination,gold purification,metal extraction,water purification,medicine,sewage treatment,air filtersingas masksandrespirators,filtersin compressed air and many other applications.