Production and characterization of activated carbons: A review

The uses of active carbons and carbon chars for liquid and gas phase applications has been presented. Their application for decolourizing, water treatment, solvent recovery, military uses, nuclear industry, air purification, domestic uses, precious metal recovery and catalysis, have been outlined. A detailed review of the production and manufacture of activated carbons from a wide range of carbonaceous sources is given. Methods of activation are discussed based on a range of chemicals and how these chemicals influence surface activity, pore size and pore distribution. The techniques for characterizing activated carbons are reviewed in detail and include porosimetry, sorptometry, topography, pore size distribution, isotherms and surface area measurements. The specific results of some active carbons derived from lignocellulosic materials (peat and lignite) are also presented.