Charcoal vs activated charcoal are two materials that are often used for various purposes, but have significant differences. To begin with, charcoal is the result of burning organic materials such as wood or coconut shells in conditions of minimal oxygen, generally used as fuel and for household purposes.
On the other hand, activated charcoal is charcoal that has gone through an activation process to increase its surface area and absorbency. Because of this, activated charcoal is often utilized in medical, water treatment, and industrial applications. This distinct characteristic allows each material to serve unique functions and provide specific advantages based on needs.
Difference between Charcoal vs Activated Charcoal
1. Charcoal
Charcoal consists of the element carbon. Carbon compounds are abundant in plants, animals, and other living organisms. When these organisms die, their carbonic compounds are eventually converted into other carbonic compounds. Charcoal is one such product.
Specifically, when water and other volatile substances are removed from carbonic compounds, charcoal becomes the resulting product. Charcoal is in solid form and has a dark gray color.
It contains ash; therefore, charcoal is not pure carbon. Charcoal is mainly produced by pyrolysis, a method in which organic matter decomposes at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen. As a result, the chemical composition and physical phase of the material change very quickly.
Furthermore, there are different types of charcoal based on production methods and materials. Lump charcoal produces less ash and is mostly made from hardwood materials. Extruded charcoal is produced using wood that has been extruded with raw or carbonized wood. Briquettes are formed from sawdust and other wood by-products combined with binders.
A unique example is Japanese charcoal, which does not contain pyroligneous acid as it is removed during production. Consequently, this type of charcoal does not produce a characteristic odor or smoke when burning. There are three types of Japanese charcoal: white charcoal, black charcoal, and Ogatan.
Historically, charcoal has been used as fuel for centuries. Today, it continues to be an essential fuel in homes and industries due to its ability to produce high heat energy. Additionally, charcoal is added to soil to improve quality and is even used in medicine to treat gastric problems.
However, despite its many uses, charcoal production poses environmental concerns. For instance, deforestation rates increase in areas where charcoal production is prevalent, making it a threat to forests.
2. Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal, also called activated carbon, undergoes treatment with oxygen during production. This process, known as activation, increases its porosity and results in a larger surface area that effectively absorbs substances.
Due to this enhanced porosity, activated charcoal excels as a filtering agent. Thus, people commonly use it in water filters, chemical purification processes, and medicine. However, impurities gradually accumulate on its surface during use, which reduces its effectiveness over time.
Conclusion
Charcoal is the result of burning organic matter in oxygen-depleted conditions and is typically used as fuel, for soil treatment, and for various household purposes. In contrast, activated charcoal is a form of charcoal that undergoes an activation process with oxygen, increasing its porosity and absorbency. This makes it ideal for applications such as water filtration, chemical purification, and medicine.
Although both are carbon-based, activated charcoal features a more complex structure with a larger surface area, allowing its use in applications requiring high filtration or absorption.
Embrace the benefits of coconut shell briquettes today! By choosing this eco-friendly and affordable fuel option, you not only enhance your cooking experience but also support job creation and sustainable practices in your community. Join the movement towards a greener future-explore the potential of coconut shell briquettes now!