Comparison of Oil-Based Activated Carbon and Other Types of Activated Carbon

Activated carbon, a highly absorbent material, has been widely used in many fields, from water treatment to medicine. Among the types of activated carbon, oil-based activated carbon has emerged as a popular choice. So, what makes oil-based activated carbon special compared to other types? Let’s find out in detail in this article.

What is Activated Carbon?

Before we dive into the comparison, we need to understand what activated carbon is. Activated carbon is a form of carbon with a porous structure and a very large surface area. It is this porous structure that gives activated carbon the ability to effectively absorb pollutants, odors, colors, and other organic substances.

Common Types of Activated Carbon

Oil-based activated carbon: Produced from by-products of petroleum production.
Coal-based activated carbon: Derived from coal.
Wood-based activated carbon: Produced from wood or wood products.
Coconut-based activated carbon: Derived from coconut shells.

Detailed Comparison

Features	Oil-based activated carbon	Coal based activated carbon	Wood activated carbon	Coconut activated carbon
Porous structure	Evenly distributed pores, diverse pore sizes	Uneven pores, mainly large pores	Small pores, large surface area	Moderate porosity, large surface area
Absorbency	High adsorption capacity, especially for large organic molecules	Good absorption capacity, suitable for water filtration applications	High absorption capacity, often used in air filtration	Very high absorption capacity, used in water and air filtration
Hardness	Quite hard and durable	Hard, durable	Less stiff than other types	Hard, durable
Application	Industrial wastewater treatment, drinking water filtration, decolorization, deodorization	Drinking water treatment, swimming pool water filtration, decolorization	Air purifier, deodorizer, skin cleanser	Water filtration, air filtration, beauty
Price	Depending on quality and origin, often more expensive than other types	Average price	Relatively cheap price	High cost

Advantages of Oil-Based Activated Carbon

Superior absorption capacity: Thanks to its special porous structure, oil-based activated carbon has the ability to absorb pollutants more effectively than other types.
High durability: It has high hardness and durability, and can withstand harsh environments.
Diverse applications: This product can be applied in many fields such as wastewater treatment, drinking water filtration, and chemical industry..

Disadvantages

High cost: Due to the complex production process and high cost of input materials, oil-based activated carbon is often more expensive than other types.

Which Type of Activated Carbon to Choose?

Choosing the right type of activated carbon depends on the purpose of use and the specific requirements of each application. You should consult experts to make the right decision.

Conclusion

Oil-based activated carbon is one of the types of activated carbon with high efficiency and wide application. However, to choose the right product, you need to carefully consider factors such as absorption efficiency, durability, price and purpose of use.