Activated Carbon

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Activated carbon is a highly porous, adsorptive material processed to have an exceptionally large surface area (typically 500-1500 m²/g) through thermal or chemical activation of carbon-rich source materials. This versatile adsorbent exists in powdered (PAC), granular (GAC), pelletized, and extruded forms, with pore structures specifically engineered for different applications ranging from water purification to gas treatment. Its extended surface area and complex pore network (micropores <2nm, mesopores 2-50nm, macropores >50nm) enable superior physical adsorption of contaminants through van der Waals forces, as well as chemical interactions with surface functional groups.

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Category: Carbon Capture Chemicals Tags: Activated Charcoal, Air filtration, Food and beverage processing, Pharmaceutical filtration, Wastewater treatment

Description

Table of Contents

Primary Uses

Water Purification
- Removes chlorine, organic contaminants, and heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury) from drinking water.
- Used in household filters (Brita), municipal treatment plants, and aquariums.
Air & Gas Filtration
- Captures VOCs (volatile organic compounds), odors, and toxic gases (e.g., in industrial scrubbers, HVAC systems).
- Essential in gas masks, car cabin filters, and cigarette filters.
Medical & Pharmaceutical
- Poison/toxin treatment (emergency antidote for drug overdoses).
- Used in kidney dialysis machines to filter blood toxins.
Food & Beverage Industry
- Decolorizes sugar, oils, and alcoholic beverages (e.g., vodka, whiskey).
- Removes off-flavors and impurities in food processing.
Gold Mining & Metal Recovery
- Extracts gold from cyanide solutions via adsorption (CIP/CIL processes).

Secondary Uses

Soil Remediation
- Treats pesticide/herbicide contamination in agriculture.
Electronics & Energy Storage
- Used in supercapacitors and battery electrodes for high surface area.
Beauty & Skincare
- Found in detoxifying face masks, toothpaste, and deodorants.
Wine & Coffee Production
- Adjusts tannin levels and removes bitterness.
Industrial Catalysis
- Supports chemical catalysts in reactions like hydrogenation.

PRODUCT KEY ATTRIBUTE

1. Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): Carbon, activated
Common/Trade Names:
- Activated charcoal
- Active carbon
- AC (abbreviation)
CAS Number: [7440-44-0] (for carbon)
HS Code: 3802.10.00 (activated carbon)
Molecular Formula: C (amorphous, high surface area)
Synonyms:
- Decolorizing carbon
- Adsorbent carbon
- Filter carbon

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Fine black powder, granules, or pellets
Color & Odor: Black; odorless
Melting Point: Sublimes at ~3,650°C (does not melt)
Boiling Point: N/A (sublimes)
Density:
- Bulk density: 0.25–0.60 g/cm³
- True density: ~2.0 g/cm³
Surface Area: 500–1,500 m²/g (BET method)
Porosity:
- Microporous (<2 nm)
- Mesoporous (2–50 nm)
- Macroporous (>50 nm)
Solubility: Insoluble in water and organic solvents
pH Level: 6–11 (depends on activation method)
Moisture Content: ≤10% (as shipped)
Ash Content: ≤5% (typical)

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

Hazard Class (GHS):
- Not classified as hazardous (non-toxic)
- May cause dust irritation (mechanical hazard)
NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 1
- Flammability: 1 (dust can be combustible)
- Reactivity: 0
Exposure Limits:
- OSHA PEL (Carbon Black): 3.5 mg/m³ (respirable)
- ACGIH TLV: 10 mg/m³ (inhalable particles)
Reactivity:
- Stable under normal conditions
- Reacts with strong oxidizers (e.g., peroxides, chlorine)
- Can catalyze certain chemical reactions

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions:
- Dry, cool, well-ventilated area
- Keep away from oxidizers and moisture
Incompatible Materials:
- Strong oxidizers (e.g., perchlorates, nitrates)
- Halogens (e.g., chlorine, fluorine)
Container Type:
- Sealed bags (polypropylene-lined)
- Fiber drums (for bulk storage)
Shelf Life: Indefinite if stored properly
Special Handling:
- Use dust masks (NIOSH N95) in high-dust areas
- Ground equipment to prevent static sparks

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

Regulatory Status:
- FDA (USA): Approved for food/water treatment (21 CFR 173.225)
- EU: Compliant with REACH, food-grade (E153)
- NSF/ANSI 61: Certified for drinking water
Hazard Symbols (GHS): None (non-hazardous)
Transportation Restrictions:
- Not regulated as hazardous material
- UN number: None (unless wetted, then UN1362)
Waste Disposal:
- Non-hazardous waste (landfill or reactivation)
- Spent carbon may require special disposal (if contaminated)

6. Environmental & Health Impact

Ecotoxicity:
- Non-toxic to aquatic life (LC50 >100 mg/L)
Persistence in Environment:
- Does not degrade (inert)
- Can be reactivated/reused
Carcinogenicity:
- IARC: Not classified (Group 3)
- NTP: Not listed
Biodegradability: Non-biodegradable

SAFETY HANDLING

1. Safety Precautions

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Respiratory Protection: NIOSH-approved N95 mask (for dust)
Eye Protection: Safety goggles (if dust is airborne)
Gloves: Nitrile or latex (to prevent skin irritation)
Clothing: Long sleeves + lab coat (for dust control)

Handling & Storage:

Minimize dust generation (use closed systems or wet methods)
Store in a dry, well-ventilated area (away from oxidizers)
Ground containers (static electricity can ignite fine dust)
Avoid open flames/sparks (dust can be explosive at high concentrations)

Hygiene Practices:

No eating/drinking in handling areas
Wash hands after use
Use local exhaust ventilation (LEV) if handling large quantities

2. First Aid Measures

Inhalation (Dust):

Move to fresh air
Seek medical help if breathing difficulty persists

Eye Contact:

Rinse with water for 15 minutes
Seek medical attention if irritation continues

Skin Contact:

Wash with soap and water
Apply moisturizer if dryness occurs

Ingestion:

Rinse mouth with water
Drink water to dilute
Seek medical advice if large amounts are swallowed

3. Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards:

Combustible dust (can explode at high concentrations in air)
No flash point (but smolders if ignited)

Extinguishing Media:
✔ Water spray (best for smoldering carbon)
✔ Dry chemical powder
✔ CO₂

Firefighting Precautions:

Do NOT use water jets (can spread dust)
Wear SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus)
Cool nearby containers with water spray

4. Spill & Disposal

Small Spills:

Wear a dust mask
Sweep up carefully (avoid raising dust)
Place in sealed container

Large Spills:

Dampen with water to control dust
Use industrial vacuum (explosion-proof if available)

Disposal:

Dispose as non-hazardous waste (unless contaminated)
Follow local regulations