Activated carbon, or activated charcoal, is an artificial form of carbon that has been processed at high temperatures. It typically appears black, porous, and lightweight, derived from coal, peat, or coke. With its unique structure, activated carbon boasts a range of intriguing and useful applications.
1 What is Activated Carbon?
Activated carbon, also known as Activated Charcoal, is a special form of carbon that has been treated at high temperatures and often appears black, porous, and lightweight. It is derived from various sources such as coal, peat, or coke. The composition of activated carbon consists of carbon atoms in a crystalline or amorphous form.
Activated carbon, also known as Activated Charcoal
The uses of activated carbon are quite surprising and include:
- Water filtration
- Air purification
- Absorbing harmful toxins
- Lowering cholesterol levels in the blood
2 How to Distinguish Activated Carbon from Regular Coal
Based on Physical Appearance
Activated carbon powder is finer and drier than regular coal powder
When in the form of a stick, it is challenging to differentiate between activated carbon and regular coal. However, when in powder form, there are noticeable differences.
Activated carbon powder is typically finer, with a shiny black color, uniform particles, and a dry texture.
On the other hand, regular coal powder is also black but lacks the shiny appearance. It tends to be coarser, sometimes slightly moist, and the particles are often uneven in size.
Based on Hardness
Activated carbon is harder than regular coal
Distinguishing between activated carbon and regular coal with the naked eye can be tricky. However, you can tell them apart by their hardness.
Activated carbon is harder than regular coal, making it difficult to break by hand. If you can snap a piece of coal, it is likely regular coal rather than activated carbon.
Using Water to Identify Activated Carbon
Activated carbon has the ability to filter water
One of the distinctive features of activated carbon is its ability to filter water. This characteristic can be used as a quick test to differentiate it from regular coal.
Simply prepare a cup of dirty water and place a sample of the coal in it. If you observe bubbling and the water gradually becoming clearer, it is activated carbon. If there is no change, it is regular coal.
Burning to Identify Activated Carbon
Regular coal catches fire and burns easily
Activated carbon has already been exposed to extremely high temperatures during its production, making it difficult to burn under normal conditions. On the other hand, regular coal is highly combustible.
To differentiate between the two, attempt to burn the samples under normal temperatures. If the coal catches fire and burns easily, it is regular coal; otherwise, it is activated carbon.
Based on Chlorine Removal Capabilities
Activated carbon can remove chlorine from tap water
Tap water often contains chlorine, a disinfectant with an unpleasant odor. Activated carbon has the unique ability to eliminate this odor. This characteristic can be used to distinguish activated carbon from regular coal.
Prepare two cups of tap water and place a sample of coal in each cup. After some time, smell the water in both cups. If one of the cups no longer has a chlorine odor, the coal in that cup is activated carbon. Otherwise, it is regular coal.
Using Electricity to Identify Activated Carbon
Activated carbon is electrically conductive
In addition to water filtration, activated carbon also conducts electricity, providing another means of differentiation from regular coal.
Use an electrically conductive object, such as a pen or a light bulb, and touch it to the coal sample. If the object operates as expected, it is activated carbon; otherwise, it is regular coal.
3 Types of Activated Carbon
Tubular Activated Carbon
True to its name, tubular activated carbon is produced in a tubular form with diameters ranging from 1 to 5 cm. This type of activated carbon is commonly used in industrial settings that require larger filtration systems.
Tubular activated carbon
Compressed Granular Activated Carbon
Compressed granular activated carbon, on the other hand, takes the form of short cylindrical pellets with diameters ranging from 0.8 to 5 mm. This type of activated carbon is extremely hard and durable, with a larger surface area, making it ideal for air filtration.
Compressed granular activated carbon
Powdered Activated Carbon
Powdered activated carbon is a common form due to its ease of production and low cost. It is often used in cosmetics, chemical processing, and other applications. With a particle size ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 mm, it can be easily washed away, making it suitable for use in water treatment systems, such as iron removal and reverse osmosis membranes.
Powdered activated carbon
Granular Activated Carbon
Granular activated carbon has a particle size ranging from 0.2 to 5 mm with irregular shapes. This type is harder and more durable than powdered activated carbon, making it less susceptible to being washed away. It is commonly used for treating water for daily use and industrial wastewater.
Granular activated carbon
Activated Carbon Cloth
Activated carbon cloth is a combination of activated carbon powder-impregnated foam and a rigid frame, commonly used for air filtration in air conditioners and air purifiers.
Activated carbon cloth
4 Mechanism of Action of Activated Carbon
The structure of activated carbon is characterized by numerous small pores and cracks, which enable it to effectively absorb impurities, pollutants, and contaminants from water and air. These include substances such as chlorine, benzene, SO2, CO2, H2S, and fine dust. The larger the surface area of the activated carbon, the more effective it is at filtration.
Mechanism of action of activated carbon
5 Benefits of Activated Carbon
Water Purification for Drinking
One of the most common applications of activated carbon is in water purification for drinking. It effectively removes heavy metals, fluoride, sediment, impurities, and chemical and organic compounds, resulting in cleaner and safer drinking water.
Water purification for drinking
Detoxification in Medicine
In the field of medicine, activated carbon is used to treat various conditions such as indigestion, diarrhea, stomach aches, and detoxification. It achieves this by absorbing toxins in the body and eliminating them.
Notably, activated carbon is also used in gas masks to protect the respiratory system.
Teeth Whitening
Activated carbon has gained popularity as a natural teeth whitening agent. Due to its carbon content, it gently abrades the teeth, effectively whitening them without damaging the enamel.
Teeth whitening with activated carbon
Lowering Cholesterol Levels in the Blood
Activated carbon can bind to bile acids and cholesterol-containing bile acids in the intestine, effectively reducing cholesterol absorption.
Research has shown that consuming 24 grams of activated carbon daily for four weeks can reduce cholesterol by 25%, HDL by 8%, and LDL by 25%.
Odor Removal and Air Purification
Activated carbon is commonly used in kitchen exhaust fans, air purifiers, and air conditioners to eliminate odors, kill bacteria, and treat wastewater in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.
Odor removal and air purification
Industrial Applications
In metal processing, activated carbon is often used in the final stages, particularly in electroplating solution refining. Additionally, it finds use in the mining industry for gold, silver, and other precious metals.
Other Applications
Activated carbon is also used in various cosmetics, soaps, and toothpastes to absorb impurities and quickly detoxify the body.
6 Frequently Asked Questions about Activated Carbon
Activated carbon can be purchased from water filtration stores or online through various e-commerce platforms. It is available in different forms and at varying price points. When purchasing, it is essential to choose a reputable and
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