The properties or features of activated carbon that makes it the best tool for purification are as follows:
High surface area:
Activated carbon has extremely high surface area per unit volume, ranging from 500 to 1500 m²/g. This extensive surface area is because of its highly porous structure, enabling it to adsorb significant amounts of substances relative to its size.
Pore structure:
The efficacy of activated carbon is largely dependent on its pore size distribution. Its pores can be micropores (less than 2 nm), mesopores (2-50 nm), and macropores (greater than 50 nm). This varied pore structure enables it to trap various contaminant molecules. Adsorption capability:
Thanks to its porous texture and huge surface area, activated carbon can adsorb various organic molecules and some inorganic gases, making activated carbon highly effective in purifying liquids and gases by removing unwanted substances.

Activated carbon’s extensive network of pores, high efficiency in contaminant and toxin removal, and the fact that it is sourced from the most naturally available substances like coconut shell, coal, wood, etc makes it the most cost-effective, and most effective purification choice. Also, it leaves no harmful contaminants and is extremely environmentally friendly and sustainable purification technique.

Using activated carbon has several environmental benefits as well. It minimizes pollution, cleanses air and water, captures harmful toxins and pollutants, helping and aiding in creating cleaner surroundings. Furthermore, activated carbon is produced from waste materials like coconut shells, wood etc, thus reducing waste, recycling natural waste and improving sustainability.

Activated carbon comes in various forms and shapes- granular, powdered, pelletized- each best suited for specific applications. You must select the best activated carbon as suited for your needs.

a. Particle size and adsorption kinetics: Particle size directly affects the flow dynamics and pressure drop across the carbon surface. Smaller particles offer larger surface area but can also cause higher pressure drops, which might be a problem for applications with flow limitations. On the other hand, adsorption kinetics, the rate at which contaminants are removed from the fluid being treated, is crucial for ensuring efficient purification. Faster kinetics are usually preferred, because it enables quicker contaminant removal, essential in applications with rapid processing times.

b. Pore size distribution and other parameters: Selecting activated carbon based on pore size distribution is critical to align carbon’s properties with specific adsorption needs. Pore sizes are divided into micropores (less than 2 nm), mesopores (2-50 nm), and macropores (over 50 nm). With its extensive surface area, microporous carbon is best suited for adsorbing small molecular contaminants like gases and volatile compounds. Mesoporous and macroporous carbons are ideal for larger molecules in liquid-phase applications, such as colors and odors.