One of the most widely used cleaning agents in the world, activated carbon is a variable product with an extensive range of domestic and industrial uses. Coconut shells, wood, bamboo, lignite, and coal are some of the main raw materials used in the industrial production of activated carbon. Carbonization and activation are the two main steps in activated carbon production, but based on the additional steps in manufacturing and the raw materials used, the properties of activated carbon produced can vary. Impregnated activated carbon is one of the most widely used forms of activated carbon. In this article, we are looking into the types, descriptions, and applications of impregnated activated carbon.
Impregnated activated carbon
As we have discussed, the main two steps in the manufacturing of activated carbon are carbonization and activation; however, do you know what makes impregnated activated carbon different from the other varieties? Impregnated activated carbon is activated carbon with its surface chemically modified; it can be made for highly targeted applications such as removing inorganic pollutants from water. Versatile and customizable, impregnated activated carbon has superior adsorption capacity and unique characteristics that can be used for advanced purification procedures.
Impregnated activated carbon: types
Impregnated activated carbon is activated carbon treated with various substances, such as chemicals and metals, to enhance its properties for targeted applications. Here are some of the most common types of impregnated activated carbon:
Acidic-impregnated activated carbon: Activated carbon impregnated with acidic compounds such as H2SO4, HF, HCl, and HNO3 is called acidic-impregnated activated carbon. They are efficient at adsorbing alkaline pollutants in water and air.
Alkaline-impregnated activated carbon: Effective at removing acidic pollutants from water and gas, alkaline-impregnated activated carbon is mainly treated with alkaline compounds such as potassium iodide, sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, and potassium hydroxide.
Iodine-impregnated activated carbon: Treated with iodine, this variety can effectively remove radioactive isotopes from water and air.
Silver-impregnated activated carbon: Famous for its antimicrobial properties, silver-impregnated activated carbon is effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, so it is extensively used in water purification.
Copper-impregnated activated carbon: effective in the removal of sulfur compounds, mercaptans, and hydrogen sulfide, copper-impregnated activated carbon is used in gas treatment.
Zinc-impregnated activated carbon: Used to remove sulfur compounds, chlorine, and other impurities from water.
Manganese-impregnated activated carbon: Enhanced with manganese, this type is predominantly used in the removal of iron, hydrogen sulfide, and manganese.
Aluminium-impregnated activated carbon: One of the most common metal-impregnated activated carbon types, aluminium-impregnated activated carbon is effective in removing fluoride, selenium, and arsenic.
Impregnated activated carbon: applications
Impregnated activated carbon is a highly tailored product to suit targeted applications. The industrial applications of impregnated activated carbon are vast, and their customizable nature is always widening the horizons of new applications.
Water purification: Water filtration is generally one of the main applications of activated carbon; impregnated activated carbon modified with silver is known for its exceptional water purification efficiency and anti-microbial properties, making it the perfect purification agent to treat drinking water.
Air purification: Impregnated activated carbon treated with specific impregnants is highly effective in industrial air purification; it adsorbes harmful pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mercury, and sulfur gases from the air.
Gas processing: Crucial in gas treatment processes, impregnated activated carbon can effectively remove sulfides, mercaptans, acidic gases, and mercury from the air.
Chemical processing: Prioritizing safety, the chemical industry is one of the major industries that use purification agents such as activated carbon. Impregnated activated carbon treated with specific substances is used to remove hazardous chemicals to prevent their release into the environment and to ensure the safety of workers and their surroundings.
Pharmaceutical applications: It is important that medical facilities such as hospitals and laboratories remain clean, safe, and sterile at all times to keep patients and medical professionals safe from any harmful toxins. Customized impregnated activated carbon is also used in medical facilities to adsorb harmful toxins and other pollutants from such spaces to keep them safe for everyone.
Food and beverage industry: Impregnated activated carbon has applications in the food and beverage industry as well; it ensures the effective adsorption and removal of harmful substances and microorganisms from processed food and beverages, enhancing their safety and overall quality.
Conclusion
Impregnated activated carbon is a type of activated carbon with various sub-groups that have targeted applications in diverse industries. Southern Carbon is one of the leading suppliers of activated carbon in Japan, India, and several other Asian markets. With more than two decades of experience in the industry, we are keen on providing our customers with superior-quality products tailored to their needs. Based in Kerala, the land of coconuts, we are one of the best activated carbon from coconut shell manufacturers in India. Contact us for more information on our activated carbon products and shipping details.