[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of activated carbon, the nature and working principle of activated carbon

Activated carbon properties

Physical Properties Activated carbon is a porous material with a large specific surface area, which makes it exhibit extremely high adsorption capacity during the adsorption process. Its pore structure can be divided into micropores, mesopores and macropores. Micropores are mainly responsible for the adsorption of small molecules of gas and liquid, while mesopores and macropores help to adsorb larger molecules. Activated carbon has a low density and light texture, usually in the form of black powder or granules.

Chemical Properties The chemical properties of activated carbon are mainly related to its surface chemical functional groups. Its surface is rich in functional groups such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, aldehyde and ether groups, which play a key role in the adsorption process. The chemical stability of activated carbon is high and remains unchanged in most acid-base environments, but it may be oxidized in the presence of strong oxidants.

Activated carbon use

Water treatment Activated carbon is widely used in the field of water treatment, mainly for the removal of organic pollutants, chlorine and trace heavy metal ions in water. It can not only be used for the purification of drinking water, but also widely used in industrial wastewater treatment, especially in the pharmaceutical, chemical, printing and dyeing industries, activated carbon can effectively remove the color and toxic and harmful substances in wastewater.

air purification In air purification, activated carbon is used to adsorb harmful gases in the air, such as formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It is often used in air purifiers, automotive air conditioning filters and industrial waste gas treatment equipment. Due to its highly efficient adsorption properties, activated carbon plays an important role in improving indoor air quality.

Food and Medicine In the food industry, activated carbon is used for decolorization, deodorization and purification of syrups, oils and fats. In the field of medicine, activated carbon is often used in the preparation of drug purification, decolorization, but also for the treatment of drug poisoning and gastrointestinal discomfort, because it can absorb toxins and harmful substances in the body, reduce its absorption.

Upstream raw materials

Raw Materials The main raw materials of activated carbon include coal, wood, coconut shell, fruit shell, etc. Coal-based activated carbon has high mechanical strength and large specific surface area, while coconut shell-based activated carbon is known for its developed micropores and superior adsorption performance. Wood and fruit shells are widely used in the production of activated carbon because of their abundant resources and low cost.

Chemicals In the production process of activated carbon, chemicals such as zinc chloride, phosphoric acid, etc. are used as activators to promote the formation of porous structures from raw materials. Chemicals such as sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid are used for washing and neutralization in the post-treatment process to ensure the purity and performance of activated carbon.

Downstream Applications

Environmental protection The application of activated carbon in the field of environmental protection is expanding, mainly for waste water, waste gas treatment and soil remediation. In terms of wastewater treatment, activated carbon can effectively remove organic pollutants and heavy metal ions; in terms of waste gas treatment, it is used to absorb harmful gases and stench in industrial waste gas; in soil remediation, activated carbon can fix organic pollutants in the soil. Reduce its migration and bioavailability.

Industrial Manufacturing In the chemical, pharmaceutical, food and other industrial manufacturing, activated carbon for product decolorization, purification and purification. For example, in the sugar industry, activated carbon is used for decolorization and purification of syrup; in the pharmaceutical industry, it is used for purification and decolorization of drugs. In the petrochemical industry, activated carbon is also used to purify various solvents and reaction products.

Activated carbon storage method

Environmental requirements Activated carbon should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, avoid moisture and direct sunlight. Moisture will affect the adsorption performance of activated carbon, the adsorption efficiency decreased. In order to prevent moisture, use sealed containers or moisture-proof packaging when storing.

Fire prevention measures Due to the fine particles of activated carbon, with a certain degree of flammability, should be away from the fire and high temperature environment. During storage and transportation, fire prevention measures should be taken to avoid contact between activated carbon and flammable substances. Appropriate fire extinguishing equipment, such as dry powder fire extinguishers or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, may be provided as necessary.

Storage time Activated carbon has a certain service life, and long-term storage may cause the adsorption capacity to decrease. It is generally recommended to use it within the shelf life and check its adsorption performance regularly. For the activated carbon that has been opened and used, the storage time should be shortened as much as possible to prevent its performance from being exposed to the air for too long.

Summary

Because of its unique porous structure and excellent adsorption performance, activated carbon is widely used in water treatment, air purification, food and medicine and other fields. Its production involves a variety of raw materials such as coal, wood, and coconut shells, and requires chemical activation and post-treatment processes. When storing activated carbon, attention should be paid to environmental requirements, fire prevention measures and storage time to ensure its stable and efficient performance. With the improvement of environmental protection requirements and the growth of industrial demand, the application prospect of activated carbon in the future will be more broad.