Charcoal Activated

Activated charcoal is produced from carbon-rich materials such as wood, coal, or coconut shells that are heated at high temperatures and then “activated” with gases or chemicals to create a network of microscopic pores.​

This activation increases surface area to typically 500–1500 m² per gram, allowing the charcoal to bind (adsorb) a wide range of molecules onto its surface.​

Key properties

Activated charcoal appears as a black, odourless material supplied as powder, granules, or pellets, with very low bulk density and extremely high internal porosity.​

Its surface chemistry and pore structure can be tailored (e.g., coal-, wood-, or coconut-based grades) to optimise performance for water purification, air treatment, or medical use.​

Main applications

Industrial and environmental uses include water and wastewater treatment, air and gas purification, solvent recovery, and decolorising or deodorising in food and chemical processing.​

In medicine, oral activated charcoal suspensions are used in hospitals for certain acute poisonings or overdoses, where given within about one hour it can reduce absorption of many toxins from the gut.​

Consumer and OTC products use activated charcoal in filters, toothpastes, cosmetic masks, and some supplements marketed for gas and bloating, though evidence for many wellness claims is limited compared with its well‑established filtration and poisoning‑treatment roles.​