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But regular carbon isn’t the same as activated carbon. Examples include wood, bamboo, sawdust, willow peat, coconut shell, peach pits, coir, petroleum pitch, and a variety of coal. This enormous area alone makes activated carbon extremely useful for a wide range of applications, but activated carbon can undergo further chemical treatment to increase its adsorption properties.Īctivated carbon is derived from a carbonaceous source material. One gram of activated carbon has over 32,000 square feet (3,000 square meters) of surface area - and one teaspoon has roughly the area of a football field.
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Tiny, low-volume pores provide a surface for either adsorption or chemical reactions.
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What Is Activated Carbon?Īlso called “activated charcoal,” activated carbon is a form of carbon that has been processed to have an incredibly large surface area. This versatile ingredient is also a crucial component for the best water filtration systems.īut what makes activated carbon so widely effective? Let’s explore the unique characteristics of activated carbon along with why it’s the best choice for water filtration. Why is the same active ingredient useful in teeth whitening, water filtration, and outer space life support systems?Īctivated carbon has swept through the modern world and become an essential component in an enormous range of industries, including medical, cosmetic, and agricultural applications.
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