Activated Carbon Explained

What is Activated Carbon?

Activated carbon is typically created from organic materials rich in carbon—most commonly coconut shells, although coal and wood are also used. By heating these coconut shells to extreme temperatures (up to 1000°C) without oxygen, and then treating them with steam or chemicals, the carbon becomes "activated".

This activation process creates an incredibly dense network of microscopic pores. A single gram of activated carbon has a surface area in excess of 3,000 square meters. It is this massive surface area that makes it the perfect trap for waterborne chemicals.

How Adsorption Traps Chlorine

Unlike a mechanical sponge that absorbs water into itself, carbon utilizes adsorption (with a 'd'). As water flows over the carbon surface, dissolved chemicals like chlorine, herbicides, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are magnetically attracted to the carbon molecules. The chemicals stick to the surface while the pure water continues flowing.