Activated carbon in simple terms
Activated carbon is a porous adsorbent produced from carbon-rich raw materials such as coconut shell, coal, wood and selected nutshells. Activation develops a network of internal pores that provides a large surface for molecules to attach to.
Adsorption rather than absorption
During adsorption, target molecules collect on the internal surface of the carbon. Capacity depends on the relationship between pore size and molecule size, surface chemistry, concentration, contact time and temperature.
Why grades perform differently
Raw material, activation conditions, particle form, washing and impregnation all change performance. A useful specification therefore starts with the stream and contaminant rather than iodine value alone.
