Activated carbon is a carbonaceous material with a highly porous structure, which is widely used in water treatment, air purification, industrial decolorization, food processing and other fields. Its types are mainly based on the source of its raw materials, preparation process and pore structure. The following are several common types of activated carbon:
1. Classification by raw materials
Wood activated carbon:
Made from wood (such as oak, basswood, etc.) through carbonization and activation process. Wood activated carbon usually has a high micropore specific surface area and is suitable for adsorbing small molecular organic matter, such as harmful gases and dissolved organic matter in air and water.
Coal-based activated carbon:
Made from coal (such as lignite or hard coal), it usually has more mesopores and macropores than wood activated carbon, with a lower specific surface area, but a stronger adsorption capacity, especially suitable for treating larger molecules or high concentrations of pollutants.
Coconut shell activated carbon:
Coconut shell activated carbon is made from coconut shell particles and has a high specific surface area and excellent pore structure. Its adsorption capacity is very suitable for water treatment and air purification, especially in removing harmful gases, dissolved substances and organic matter.
Plant-based activated carbon:
Made from other plant raw materials (such as bamboo, palm shells, etc.), it has good adsorption properties and is widely used in environmental protection and food industries.
2. Classification by morphology
Granular activated carbon (GAC):
This activated carbon consists of larger particles and is usually used in water treatment systems and air purification systems. It is suitable for continuous adsorption and long-term use. Due to its large pore structure, it can adsorb larger pollutants.
Powdered activated carbon (PAC):
Powdered activated carbon has smaller particles and is often used for rapid adsorption or for liquids containing more soluble pollutants. PAC is commonly used in water treatment, food processing and air purification, and has a high specific surface area.
Block activated carbon:
Made from larger block materials, it is usually used in adsorption filters or multiple regeneration scenarios. Due to its strong structure and strong adaptability, block activated carbon is mostly used for air purification and industrial waste gas treatment.
3. Classification by activation method
Physically activated carbon:
The carbon material is activated by high-temperature gas (such as water vapor) to form a large number of micropores and macropores. This method is usually used for the activation of raw materials such as wood and coconut shells.
Chemically activated carbon:
The carbonized material is treated with chemicals (such as phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide, etc.) to produce more porous structures during the activation process. Chemical activation is usually more efficient and suitable for large-scale production.
4. Classification by use
Water treatment activated carbon:
This activated carbon is specially used to remove harmful substances from water, including organic pollutants, heavy metals, chlorine, chloramines, etc. It can be granular, powdered or blocky as needed.
Air purification activated carbon:
This activated carbon is mainly used to adsorb harmful gases, odors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), etc. in the air. Common applications include household air purifiers, industrial waste gas treatment, etc.
Decolorizing activated carbon:
This activated carbon is widely used in the food and beverage industry, mainly for removing pigments, odors or certain organic matter from liquids to ensure the color and taste of the product.
Medical activated carbon:
Medical activated carbon has the function of adsorbing toxins and drugs, and is often used in emergency treatment of poisoning or gastrointestinal adsorption.
5. Classification by pore structure
Microporous activated carbon:
Microporous activated carbon has very small pores and is suitable for adsorbing small molecules. It is usually used to purify tiny pollutants in liquids and gases.
Mesoporous activated carbon:
Mesoporous activated carbon is suitable for larger molecular organic matter, has good adsorption performance, and is widely used in industrial waste gas and liquid treatment.
Macroporous activated carbon:
This activated carbon has a larger pore structure and is suitable for adsorbing large molecular substances such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and gaseous pollutants.
In short, different types of activated carbon have their own unique advantages according to different raw materials, forms, activation methods and application fields. Choosing the right type of activated carbon can customize the best adsorption effect according to specific application requirements.
