Activated carbon
Activated carbon is a form of carbon obtained from charcoal that features a very large surface area available for chemical reactions and absorptions. It is manufactured to very be porous and therefore able to achieve a great degree of absorption. It is also known as "Active" carbon. Microporosity of activated carbon is usually determined by testing nitrogen gas absorption. One gram of this substance typically has a surface area of 500m2. Although normal ones have a very high surface area, additional chemical treatment can produce more of the absorbing characteristics of the carbon. Some of the commercial applications include: Water purification, medicine, metal extraction, sewage treatment, air filters and gas masks.
One of the most important uses of activated carbon is removing pollutants from the water and air. It can be used in both spill cleanup and air purification of chemical plants. Also, it can be used in groundwater remediation and drinking water filtration. One other applied use is the clean up of volatile organic compound (VOCs) that can be found in paint, dry cleaning, gasoline and other chemical products.
Perhaps the most popular use of activated carbon is in the metal finishing industry. It is used for purification of electroplating solutions, such as removing organic impurities from nickel. Multiple organic chemicals are used in metal plating to improve their deposit qualities like ductility, brightness and smoothness. Unfortunately, when an electrical current is passed through the metal to apply these chemicals, several of the organic additives generate toxic byproducts. An excessive buildup of these byproducts can harmfully affect the plating integrity and physical condition of these metals. The use of activated carbon fixes these impurities and restores plating performance to a working level.
Bill Spiez is a contributing author who writes articles about activated carbon and activated carbons
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