Activated Carbon vs Charcoal: Which is Better for Water and Air Filtration?

When it comes to water and air purification, activated carbon and charcoal are two materials that are often used. Although they are both hard porous materials, they are not the same. Activated carbon is a more consistent material in terms of quality and purity than charcoal. Activated charcoal, which has a larger surface area than charcoal, has been proven to be a more effective water filter.

Charcoal is made from coke, which is produced when bituminous coal is burned in kilns and wells and is nearly pure carbon. Despite its purity, charcoal lacks the filtration characteristics of activated carbon, making it unsuitable for water filtration. When it comes to air filtration, activated carbon and activated carbon are two terms that are often used interchangeably. However, they have different meanings when used in filters to clean indoor air.

Activated carbon filters can help remove odors from the air by using potassium permanganate to stimulate the reaction between the carbon media and the oxidation of polar or low molecular weight compounds. Granular activated carbon (GAC) is an irregularly shaped type of carbon that forms into small spheres that range in size from 0.2 to 5 mm. Carbon is also used in many industrial applications, including the creation of steel, carbon fiber, and diamond. Activated carbon is a processed, heated version of charcoal that has been converted into a highly purified substance.

When it comes to the lifespan of an activated carbon air filter, there will be several factors that will influence its longevity. Carbon filters are used to purify water and air because they can remove a wide range of contaminants, making them essential for maintaining a healthy and clean environment. In conclusion, activated carbon is purer and of better quality than charcoal. Activated charcoal has a larger surface area than charcoal and has been shown to be a more effective water filter.

Carbon filters are also ideal for eliminating odors from the air due to their ability to capture more contaminants from the material over time.