Aktivkohle

What is activated carbon?

Activated carbon is a microporous and inert carbon with a large internal surface area (up to 1500m²/gramme). This surface area is capable of adsorbing organic molecules from liquids and gases: the contaminated molecules adhere to this surface.

The carbon (coal-based, coconut shell-based, wood-based etc.) is activated in three steps:

1. The water is removed (dehydration);
2. The organic matter is converted into elementary carbon (carbonisation) and non-carbon elements are discarded;
3. The tar is burnt off and the pores are extended (activation).

Read on about

• Different types of activated carbon
• Applications with activated carbon: liquids and gases
• Chemical structure of activated carbon
• The adsorption process

Activated carbon is used for

• Purification of liquids and water
• Purification of gases and air