Activated charcoal, granular activated carbon, granular active carbon – all different terms which just so happen to refer to one specific type of charcoal. Or, more accurately, it is charcoal reheated and oxidized, making the charcoal highly porous. Even though charcoal on its own is known for being a fairly porous substance, when oxidized (or, in some cases, carbonized with other inert gases) the amount of porous spaces increases significantly.

Activated Charcoal Uses

One of the common utilization of this porous carbon is to filter gas. Not as in fuel, but the gaseous substances that are either naturally produced or expelled from various machinery. Take, for example, air filters. Air is technically a gas, and when the air contains impure elements, a purifier in the form of a filter will help remove these impurities. In a slightly different form, the activated charcoal will perform the same function with water—a use common in fish tanks.

Activated carbon attracts and holds organic chemicals from vapor and liquid streams cleaning them of unwanted chemicals. It does not have a great capacity for these chemicals, but is very cost effective for treating large volumes of air or water to remove dilute concentrations of contamination. 

Can I Make My Own Activated Charcoal?

We would not suggest trying to make your own Activated Charcoal. There are tutorials on the web to do so, but many instructions are unsafe in many ways. One of the reasons to come to a carbon expert is due to the strict testing that goes on before, during and after manufacturing. If you were to make your own charcoal and consume it, sure you may not feel immediate side-effects, but the wrong process could have a long-term negative effect. Why risk your health when one bag could last you a lifetime?

What Is Activated Carbon Made From?