What is the meaning of activated carbon? How is crbon activated ?

Question

Activated carbon used in water filters to eliminate odours

Answer 1

Activated carbon is available in either powder or granular form, produces from many potential sources - coal, coacanut etc., and  is "activated" by heating to a high temperature (about 700 deg C) in an oxygen deficient atmodphere in a multi stage burner furnace. This process produces what is called activated sites or pores on the surface of the carbon; giving 1 gram of activated carbon the equivalent surface area as a football field. It is used in many industries - water treatment, food preparation and many more. A lot of useful info can be gained by refering to the website of one of the UK's biggest carbon providers www.grafhamcarbons.com

Answer 2

it has a very high surface area. You make activated carbon by, well, activating carbon (i.e., heating it up to a high temperature)