What Is Activated Carbon?

Understanding Activated Carbon

Activated Carbon, also called activated charcoal, is a form of carbon processed to have small, low-volume pores that increase the surface area available for adsorption or chemical reactions. It is usually derived from charcoal of different sources; in our case, coconut shell.

With a surface area of over 1,000 m2/g, activated carbon is one of the most effective adsorption materials known. It works through a process called adsorption, where contaminant molecules are attracted to and held on the surface of the carbon.

Why Coconut Shell?

Coconut shell based activated carbon is considered superior because of:

  • Microporous Structure: Ideal for adsorption of small organic molecules and gases
  • Highest Hardness: Extremely resistant to abrasion and attrition
  • High Density: More carbon per unit volume means better performance
  • Low Ash Content: Produces cleaner product with less impurities
  • Renewable Resource: Coconut shells are an agricultural waste product
  • Versatile: Can be produced in granular, powder, and pellet forms

Types of Activated Carbon

Granular (GAC)

Irregular shaped particles sized 0.2mm to 5mm. Used in columns and beds for water and air treatment.

Powder (PAC)

Fine particles less than 0.18mm. Used in batch processes, food & beverage, and pharmaceutical applications.

Pelletized

Cylindrical pellets extruded from powder. Used in gas phase applications with low pressure drop requirements.

Key Technical Parameters

ParameterWhat It MeasuresTypical Range
Iodine NumberMicroporosity and adsorption capacity for small molecules900-1100 mg/g
CTC ValueAdsorption of carbon tetrachloride (gas phase capacity)40-120%
Surface Area (BET)Total internal surface area per gram900-1200 m2/g
HardnessResistance to mechanical abrasion95-99%
MoistureWater content of the product2-10%
Ash ContentInorganic residue after combustion2-5%
Apparent DensityWeight per unit volume450-550 kg/m3
pHAcid-base nature of the carbon5-11