ctivated carbons are a group of carbon materials that have surface functionality which 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 types of carbons. Many activated carbons are produced by heating the 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 materials 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 a