01/04/2023
Activated carbon is a form of carbon that has been processed to have small, low-volume pores that increase its surface area and ability to absorb impurities. Here are some general steps to make activated carbon from simple coal:
Choose the right type of coal: Not all coal is suitable for making activated carbon. Generally, you want to use low-ash bituminous coal or sub-bituminous coal.
Crush the coal: Use a crusher or hammer mill to crush the coal into small pieces.
Heat the crushed coal: Place the crushed coal in a furnace or oven and heat it to around 500-900°C (932-1652°F). This will activate the carbon in the coal and cause it to develop pores.
Cool the coal: Remove the coal from the furnace and let it cool.
Wash the coal: Wash the coal thoroughly with water to remove any ash or other impurities.
Reactivate the coal: If desired, you can reactivate the coal by heating it again at a lower temperature (around 400-600°C or 752-1112°F) for several hours. This will open up the pores in the coal even further.
Grind the coal: Use a grinder or mill to grind the activated coal into a fine powder.
Note that these are general steps, and the exact process for making activated carbon from coal may vary depending on the specific type of coal and the desired properties of the activated carbon. It's also worth noting that making activated carbon from coal can be a complex and involved process, and it may be more practical to simply purchase activated carbon from a supplier.