How it works
Activated Carbon is utilised for its adsorption capabilities. Adsorption can be defined as the attraction or adhesion of atoms, ions or molecules to a surface. Through weak Van der Waal forces, molecules are attracted to the surface area of the porous Activated Carbon and captured. The pore sizes present in the Activated Carbon must be larger than the contaminants trying to be removed from the solution and hence this a determining factor in selecting the correct Activated Carbon for the application. The pore diameters are classified into three categories and can been seen below:
All carbons tend to have a combination of micro, meso and macro pores with one being more present than the others. The raw material used to make the Activated Carbon is the most influential factor in creating the pore size distribution. This ultimately characterises the sizes of particles that the Activated Carbon can effectively adsorb.
Pore Size Nanometres (nm)
Micro 2 <
Meso 2 - 50
Macro 50 >
