Activated carbons are a group of carbon materials that have surface "functionality." This functionality results in materials that are effective at adsorption of certain chemical species.
Active carbons are typically manufactured from "organic" precursors such as cellulostic materials (coconut shells for instance), various types of coal, or other plant- and animal-derived carbons. Many activated carbons are produced by heating the proper precursor material under reducing conditions to generate a carbonaceous surface. This process is typically followed by "activation," which is a thermal or chemical oxidation step that further enhances the material's surface.
Not all activated carbons are created equal. Differences in the precursor carbon combined with the various "activation" methods results in carbon materials that have a wide range of surface properties. These properties are primarily a function of the pore size prevalent in the activated surface, as well as the types of functional groups resident in the pores.
Activated carbon materials can be used as adsorbents for many organic and inorganic substances in both gas and liquid streams. They can be used to remove toxic agents from wastewater, and process effluent gas. Activated carbon is an excellent decolorizer and can be used to remove even persistent organic dyes from aqueous and non-aqueous liquid systems.
Asbury has a wide range of activated carbon products available, including those manufactured from lignite, bituminous coal, coconut shell, and proprietary pelletized carbons.
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