Difference Between Charcoal and Activated Charcoal

Charcoal and activated charcoal are two forms of carbon that are commonly used for a variety of purposes. While they are both derived from carbon-rich materials, there are significant differences between the two. In this essay, we will discuss the main differences between charcoal and activated charcoal.

What is Charcoal?

Charcoal is a black, porous material that is made by burning organic materials such as wood, peat, coconut shells, or sawdust in the absence of oxygen. This process, known as pyrolysis, removes water, volatile compounds, and other impurities from the organic material, leaving behind a highly carbonized substance. Charcoal has been used for centuries as a fuel source for cooking and heating, as well as for other industrial and artistic applications.

Formation of Charcoal

Historically, charcoal was made by burning wood in a pit that was covered in soil or above ground and covered by a clay enclosure. The first evidence of charcoal production dates to about 3000 BC, when metal-working, namely with bronze and copper, became more common. The creation of charcoal requires a limited flow of air so that the burning wood smolders rather than bursting into flame. The limited air flow allows the burning of the wood to slow down. This results in the formation of charcoal.

Uses of Charcoal

Today, charcoal has many uses. The most well-known uses of charcoal are metallurgy and cooking. Charcoal is also used for filtration of water and air because of its porous nature. The kind of charcoal that is most effective for metallurgy is charcoal that contains low amounts of Sulphur. This is because Sulphur usually ends up being transferred to whatever metal is being heated with the charcoal.

What is Activated Charcoal?

Activated charcoal, on the other hand, is a highly porous form of charcoal that has been treated with oxygen to increase its surface area and make it more adsorbent. This process, known as activation, involves heating charcoal to a high temperature and then exposing it to an oxidizing agent, such as steam or carbon dioxide. This causes the charcoal to develop a network of tiny pores and crevices, which greatly increase its surface area and its ability to trap and hold onto molecules.

Medical Benefits of Activated Charcoal

Clinics and hospitals will often use activated charcoal as an antidote to ingested toxins, especially in the case of an emergency. Thus, if someone has ingested a poison or a toxin, ingesting activated charcoal can clear the system of that toxin. This, however, only works if it is done within 1-4 hours of consuming the toxin or poison and before the poison has been digested.

Activated charcoal has been recommended as treatment for many medical issues, including intestinal gas, kidney problems, skin diseases, and even teeth whitening. Theoretically, the activated charcoal will both clear toxins and gas that is causing gastrointestinal discomfort. It may be for this reason that activated charcoal is also recommended as an anti-flatulent. Activated charcoal has not been experimentally confirmed to be an effective treatment for many of these issues, but it does make sense scientifically. Furthermore, no serious negative side effects or risks have been attributed to activated charcoal.

Activated charcoal is useful as a filter, but it is possible for it to adsorb so many contaminants that there are no more binding sites or pores to take in incoming substances. As a result, activated charcoal can lose its effectiveness after repeated uses and fresh activated charcoal must be produced.

Differences: Charcoal and Activated Charcoal

One of the most significant differences between charcoal and activated charcoal is their porosity. Charcoal has a relatively low surface area, typically around 300-500 square meters per gram, while activated charcoal can have a surface area of up to 1500 square meters per gram or more. This increased surface area makes activated charcoal much more effective at adsorbing toxins, gases, and other impurities from the environment.

Another important difference between the two forms of carbon is their purity. Charcoal is typically produced from a variety of organic materials, which can contain impurities such as ash, tar, or other contaminants. Activated charcoal, on the other hand, is usually made from high-purity carbon sources such as coconut shells or bamboo, which results in a cleaner, more consistent product.

In terms of applications, charcoal is primarily used as a fuel source for cooking, heating, and other industrial processes. It is also used in art, as a drawing material, and in medicine, as a treatment for poisoning or overdoses. Activated charcoal, on the other hand, is used for a wide range of applications, including water filtration, air purification, soil remediation, and medical treatments such as gas and odor removal, and as a digestive aid.

The following table highlights the major differences between Charcoal and Activated Charcoal −

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both charcoal and activated charcoal are derived from carbon-rich materials, they are quite different in terms of their properties and applications. Charcoal is a basic form of carbon that is primarily used as a fuel source, while activated charcoal is a highly porous and adsorbent form of carbon that is used for a wide range of applications, including environmental remediation, medical treatments, and water and air purification. Understanding the differences between these two forms of carbon is essential for choosing the right product for your specific needs.

Vineet Nanda

Updated on: 03-Apr-2023

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