A particular form of carbon that has been specially treated to render it an extremely porous quality with a large surface area is known as activated charcoal. The large surface area makes this form of carbon suitable for adsorption as well as chemical reactions. Typically, it is derived from charcoal. However, there are certain other materials such as coconut shell from which it has been lately derived.
From the chemical industry to the medical sector to the transportation line, this material finds uses in a multitude of applications. In this article, we shall take a quick look at the various applications of activated charcoal.
Metal finishing: This material finds wide ranging uses in electroplating and metal purification processes. Owing to its adsorption properties, activated carbon shows satisfactory results in removing organic impurities from various metal plating solutions to help achieve the desired plating performance.
Environmental sector: This material has been effectively used in spill cleanups, air and water purification, ground water treatment and other similar operations. Small scale as well as large scale water filtration systems immensely benefit from the use of such treated carbon.
Medical sector: In the early 19th century, activated carbon was sold as a cure for flatulence or irritable bowel syndrome. Besides, it is also considered to be an effective agent in preventing the absorption of poison in the human body as it binds to the toxin. Similarly, it has been used for absorbing harmful drugs from the body of patients who have suffered from poisoning.
Vodka and whiskey purification: Since the clarity of alcohol is directly associated with its consumer appeal, filtration and purification is an important aspect in this industry. Activated carbon helps remove impurities without affecting the body and flavor of these drinks. It leads to enhanced organic purity.
Odor and moisture removal: Activated carbon is also known to absorb moisture from its immediate atmosphere hence it is widely used in applications that require low-humidity conditions. In addition, it is also used for absorbing odor in refrigeration systems and other similar places.
Consumer products: Products like gas masks also make use of activated charcoal to help the user stay safe when dealing with harmful gases and chemicals.
Food and beverage industry: Applications such as glycerin purification, decolorization (especially of sugar), purification of edible oil, decolorization and deodorization of juices etc rely on the use of activated carbon.
While these are just a few industries that benefit from the use of activated charcoal, there are myriad of other industries and applications where it is widely used. The best part about this material is that it can also be regenerated and re-used once its adsorptive capacity is restored.
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