ACTIVATED CARBON (ACTIVATED CHARCOAL)

Activated Carbon / Activated Charcoal / Active Carbon / Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC) / Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
CAS Number: 7440-44-0
EC Number: 231-153-3

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Parameter	Description
Product Name	Activated Carbon (Activated Charcoal)
Other Names	Active Carbon, Activated Charcoal, Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC), Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), Extruded Activated Carbon (Pellet)
Chemical Formula	C (elemental carbon, amorphous)
CAS Number	7440-44-0
EC Number (EINECS)	231-153-3
Appearance	Black, fine powder or granular particles
Odor	Odorless

CRITICAL CAS NUMBER WARNING:

CAS Number	Correct Use	Food Grade?
7440-44-0	Elemental carbon (activated carbon, vegetable carbon, charcoal)	Yes (specific grades)
1333-86-4	Industrial carbon black (tires, pigments, inks)	NO

CAS 1333-86-4 is industrial carbon black derived from petroleum products. It is NOT suitable for food or pharmaceutical use and is prohibited in food applications. The correct CAS number for activated carbon is 7440-44-0.

2. SYNONYMS AND OTHER NAMES

Type	Name
Turkish Names	Aktif Karbon, Aktif Kömür, Toz Aktif Karbon (PAC), Granül Aktif Karbon (GAC)
English Names	Activated Carbon, Activated Charcoal, Active Carbon, Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC), Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
CAS Number	7440-44-0
EC Number	231-153-3
HS Code	3802.10

3. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

3.1. Molecular Structure

Activated carbon is composed of elemental carbon in a highly porous, amorphous or turbostratic structure. The carbon atoms are arranged in hexagonal ring layers (similar to graphite) but with a disordered, non-crystalline structure, creating a vast network of pores.

Simplified Structural Representation:

        C - C - C - C - C - C
       /   /   /   /   /   /
      C - C - C - C - C - C
       \   \   \   \   \   \
        C - C - C - C - C - C

(Amorphous carbon structure with disordered hexagonal rings)

3.2. Molecular Formula

C (Elemental Carbon)

3.3. Atomic Weight

12.01 g/mol

3.4. Key Structural Features

Feature	Description
Elemental Composition	Carbon (C) with trace amounts of hydrogen, oxygen, and ash
Crystal Structure	Amorphous / Turbostratic (disordered graphite-like)
Pore Structure	Microporous (<2 nm), Mesoporous (2-50 nm), Macroporous (>50 nm)
Surface Area	500 – 2,000 m²/g (BET)
Pore Volume	0.2 – 1.0 cm³/g
Purity	Varies depending on raw material and activation method

4. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Property	Value / Description
Appearance	Black, fine powder or granular particles
Odor	Odorless
Taste	Tasteless
Solubility in Water	Insoluble
Solubility in Organic Solvents	Insoluble
Density	1.8 – 2.1 g/cm³
Bulk Density	0.2 – 0.6 g/cm³ (depending on form)
BET Surface Area	500 – 2,000 m²/g
Iodine Number	500 – 1,200 mg/g
Hardness (Ball Pan Hardness)	60 – 98% (for granular forms)
Ash Content	1 – 15% (depending on raw material)
Moisture Content	≤ 5 – 10%
pH (aqueous extract)	5 – 10
Pore Volume	0.2 – 1.0 cm³/g
Particle Size	Varies by grade (µm to mm)
Specific Heat	~0.85 kJ/(kg·K)
Thermal Conductivity	Low (insulator)

5. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

Solvent	Solubility	Conditions
Water	Insoluble	20°C
Ethanol	Insoluble	25°C
Acetone	Insoluble	25°C
Ether	Insoluble	25°C
Acids (HCl, H₂SO₄)	Insoluble	25°C
Alkalis (NaOH)	Insoluble	25°C

6. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

Property	Description
Chemical Character	Inert; chemically non-reactive
Oxidation	Reacts with strong oxidizers at high temperatures to form CO and CO₂
Thermal Stability	Stable up to 800°C (in inert atmosphere)
Adsorption	High adsorption capacity for gases, odors, organic compounds, and certain inorganics
Combustion	Burns slowly without flame when heated to red heat
Incompatible Materials	Strong oxidizers (ozone, chlorine, permanganate)

7. KEY PHYSICAL PARAMETERS

Parameter	Description	Significance
BET Surface Area	Total surface area per gram	Higher = greater adsorption capacity
Iodine Number	Iodine adsorption	Indicator of microporosity (<1 nm pores)
Methylene Blue Number	Methylene blue adsorption	Indicator of mesoporosity (2-50 nm pores)
Tannin Number	Tannic acid adsorption	Indicator of macroporosity (>50 nm pores)
Apparent Density	Mass per unit volume	For reactor sizing and handling
Hardness	Resistance to abrasion	Important for fixed-bed applications

8. PRODUCTION PROCESS

8.1. Raw Materials

Raw Material	Description
Coconut Shell	Highest hardness, premium grade
Wood	Soft, high mesoporosity
Coal (Bituminous, Lignite)	Low cost, general industrial
Peat	Medium porosity
Olive Pits	Medium hardness
Walnut Shells	High hardness
Bamboo	Renewable source
Petroleum Coke	Industrial grade

8.2. Production Stages

Stage	Process	Description
1	Raw Material Preparation	Carbon-containing raw material is dried, crushed, and ground.
2	Carbonization	Raw material is heated at 400-600°C in an inert atmosphere (oxygen-free) to remove volatile components.
3	Activation	Carbonized material is subjected to physical or chemical activation to create a porous structure.
4	Washing (Optional)	Acid or water washing to remove ash and impurities.
5	Drying	Washed product is dried.
6	Classification	Classification by particle size (powder, granular, pellet).
7	Packaging	Packaged in moisture-protected containers.

8.3. Activation Methods

Method	Temperature	Process	Pore Structure	Applications
Physical Activation	800-1,000°C	Steam (H₂O) or CO₂ gasification	Microporous (dominant)	Water treatment, gas purification
Chemical Activation	400-600°C	Chemical impregnation (H₃PO₄, ZnCl₂, KOH, K₂CO₃)	Mesoporous (dominant)	Special applications, high adsorption

9. TYPES AND GRADES OF ACTIVATED CARBON

Type	Form	Particle Size	Bulk Density	Primary Applications
Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC)	Fine powder	1 – 150 µm	0.2 – 0.5 g/cm³	Liquid phase adsorption (batch processes), decolorization, pharmaceuticals
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)	Irregular granules	0.2 – 5 mm	0.4 – 0.6 g/cm³	Fixed-bed adsorption, water treatment, gas purification
Extruded (Pellet) Activated Carbon	Cylindrical pellets	0.8 – 5 mm diameter	0.5 – 0.7 g/cm³	Gas phase adsorption, catalyst support, solvent recovery
Impregnated Activated Carbon	Various	Various	Various	Specialty adsorption (Hg, H₂S, VOC, chemical warfare agents)
Washed (Acid-washed) Carbon	Various	Various	Various	High-purity applications (food, pharmaceutical, electronics)

9.1. Common Mesh Sizes (GAC)

Mesh Size	Opening (mm)	Application
4×8	4.75 – 2.36 mm	Water treatment, large beds
8×16	2.36 – 1.18 mm	Water treatment, standard
12×20	1.70 – 0.85 mm	Vapor phase, fine adsorption
20×40	0.85 – 0.43 mm	Fine adsorption, specialty

10. RAW MATERIAL COMPARISON

Raw Material	Surface Area (m²/g)	Hardness	Ash Content	Pore Structure	Cost	Primary Applications
Coconut Shell	1,000-1,500	Very high	2-5%	Microporous	High	Water treatment, gold recovery, premium
Wood	800-1,500	Low	2-5%	Mesoporous (high)	Medium	Liquid decolorization, food, beverage
Coal (Bituminous)	800-1,200	Medium	5-15%	Balanced	Low	General industrial, gas purification
Lignite	500-800	Low	10-20%	Macroporous	Very low	Flue gas treatment, low-cost
Olive Pits	800-1,200	Medium-High	3-8%	Microporous	Medium	Water treatment, specialty

11. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

11.1. Water and Wastewater Treatment (Largest Use ~40%)

Application	Preferred Form	Function
Drinking Water Treatment	GAC (8×16, 12×20)	Removes organic pollutants, chlorine, taste, odor, THM precursors
Wastewater Treatment	PAC, GAC	Removes organic pollutants, dyes, pharmaceutical residues
Industrial Process Water	GAC	Purification of process water
Groundwater Remediation	GAC	Removes VOCs, pesticides, herbicides
Swimming Pools and Spas	GAC	Chloramine removal, water clarity

11.2. Air and Gas Purification (~20%)

Application	Preferred Form	Function
HVAC Systems	Pellet, GAC	Removes VOCs, odors, airborne pollutants
Respiratory Masks	Impregnated PAC	Chemical warfare agents, industrial fumes
Flue Gas Treatment	GAC, Pellet	Mercury, dioxins, SO₂, NOₓ removal
Solvent Recovery	GAC, Pellet	Recovers organic solvents from air streams
Odor Control	GAC, Pellet	Wastewater treatment plants, composting facilities

11.3. Food and Beverage Industry (~10%)

Application	Preferred Form	Function
Decaffeination	PAC, GAC	Removes caffeine from coffee and tea
Sugar Refining	PAC	Decolorizes sugar solutions
Vegetable Oil Purification	PAC	Removes color, odors, peroxides
Juice Purification	PAC	Removes color, bitter compounds
Alcohol Purification	GAC	Removes fusel oils, impurities

11.4. Pharmaceutical and Medical (~8%)

Application	Preferred Form	Function
Poisoning Treatment (Overdose)	PAC (oral suspension)	Adsorbs drugs and toxins in the gastrointestinal tract
Drug Purification	PAC	Removes impurities in API production
Hemoperfusion	Coated GAC	Removes toxins from blood (extracorporeal)
Wound Dressings	Impregnated fabric	Absorbs exudate, reduces odor
Oral Care (Toothpaste)	PAC	Teeth whitening, stain removal

11.5. Cosmetics and Personal Care (~5%)

Application	Preferred Form	Function
Face Masks / Cleansers	PAC (fine powder)	Adsorbs impurities, unclogs pores
Toothpaste	PAC	Teeth whitening, stain removal
Deodorants	PAC	Adsorbs odor-causing compounds
Soaps	PAC	Deep cleansing, detoxification
Shampoos	PAC	Removes product buildup, impurities

11.6. Mining and Metallurgy (~5%)

Application	Preferred Form	Function
Gold Recovery (CIP/CIL)	GAC (coconut shell)	Adsorbs gold cyanide complex from leach solutions
Precious Metal Recovery	GAC	Recovery of silver, platinum, palladium
Base Metal Purification	GAC	Removes organics from electrolyte solutions

11.7. Chemical Industry (~7%)

Application	Preferred Form	Function
Solvent Recovery	GAC, Pellet	Recovers solvents from process streams
Catalyst Support	Pellet, GAC	Support for precious metal catalysts
Chemical Purification	PAC, GAC	Removes impurities from chemical products

11.8. Environmental and Soil Remediation (~5%)

Application	Preferred Form	Function
Groundwater Remediation	GAC	Removes VOCs, pesticides, herbicides
Soil Remediation	PAC, GAC	Adsorbs contaminants
Landfill Leachate Treatment	GAC	Removes organic pollutants

12. IMPREGNATED ACTIVATED CARBON

Impregnant	Target Pollutants	Applications
Silver (Ag)	Bacteria, viruses	Water disinfection, medical applications
Potassium Iodide (KI)	Mercury (Hg), radioactive iodine	Flue gas treatment, nuclear applications
Sulfur (S)	Mercury (Hg)	Coal-fired power plants
Phosphoric Acid (H₃PO₄)	Ammonia (NH₃), amines	Odor control
Potassium Permanganate (KMnO₄)	H₂S, aldehydes, VOCs	Gas masks, air purification
Zinc Oxide (ZnO)	H₂S, mercaptans	Gas purification
Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)	Acid gases (HCl, SO₂, NOₓ)	Acid gas scrubbing
Triethylenediamine (TEDA)	Chemical warfare agents	Military gas masks

13. QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (TYPICAL)

Parameter	Coconut GAC	Coal-based GAC	Wood-based PAC
Iodine Number (mg/g)	900 – 1,200	800 – 1,100	600 – 1,000
BET Surface Area (m²/g)	1,000 – 1,500	800 – 1,200	800 – 1,500
Hardness (%)	≥ 95	70 – 90	N/A (powder)
Ash Content (%)	2 – 5	5 – 15	2 – 8
Moisture (%)	≤ 5	≤ 5	≤ 10
pH	8 – 10	8 – 10	5 – 8 (washed)
Bulk Density (g/cm³)	0.45 – 0.55	0.40 – 0.50	0.20 – 0.50

14. REGENERATION AND DISPOSAL

Method	Description	Recovery Rate	Cost
Thermal Regeneration	Heating to 800-900°C in steam/CO₂ atmosphere	90-95%	High
Chemical Regeneration	Acid or base washing	50-80%	Medium
Steam Regeneration	Low-temperature steam stripping	50-70%	Low
Biodegradation	Biological regeneration (for biological activated carbon)	Variable	Low
Disposal (non-regenerated)	Incineration (energy recovery) or landfill	0%	Low

Note: Regenerated carbon may have slightly lower performance compared to fresh carbon (10-20% capacity loss).

15. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

Parameter	Value
Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat)	> 5,000 mg/kg (practically non-toxic)
Acute Inhalation Toxicity	Dust inhalation may cause respiratory irritation
Skin Irritation	Not irritating
Eye Irritation	Mechanical irritant (dust)
Carcinogenicity	Not classified (IARC Group 3)
Mutagenicity	Negative
Allergenicity	Not allergenic
Absorption	Not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; passes through the body unchanged

16. GHS CLASSIFICATION

Hazard Class	Category	H-Statement
Flammable Dust	Category 1	H252
STOT - SE	Category 3	H335

Signal Word: WARNING

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

Code	Statement
H252	Self-heating in large quantities; may cause fire.
H335	May cause respiratory irritation.

17. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

Code	Statement
P261	Avoid breathing dust.
P271	Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
P280	Wear protective gloves and eye/face protection.
P302+P352	IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
P305+P351+P338	IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present.
P410+P403	Protect from light. Store in a well-ventilated place.
P501	Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations.

18. FIRST AID MEASURES

Route of Exposure	Action to Be Taken
Inhalation	Move to fresh air. If respiratory irritation persists, seek medical attention.
Skin Contact	Wash with soap and water.
Eye Contact	Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Ingestion	Unlikely to cause harm (used as a medical adsorbent). If large amount is swallowed, seek medical attention.

19. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Parameter	Information
Fire Hazard	Combustible dust; finely dispersed particles may form explosive mixtures in air
Extinguishing Media	Water spray, CO₂, dry chemical powder, alcohol-resistant foam
Special Hazards	Thermal decomposition produces carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Protective Equipment	Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing

20. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

Parameter	Information
Personal Protection	Dust mask, protective goggles, gloves, coverall
Ventilation	Increase ventilation; use local exhaust in confined spaces
Containment	Cover spilled area to prevent dust dispersion
Cleaning Methods	Collect dry using vacuum or careful sweeping
Environmental Precautions	Prevent entry into drains, sewers, and water bodies
Waste Disposal	Dispose of in accordance with local regulations

21. STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

Parameter	Information
Storage Conditions	Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area; protect from moisture and contaminants
Container Requirements	Sealed bags, drums, or silos (prevent moisture adsorption)
Materials to Avoid	Moisture (reduces adsorption capacity), organic vapors, strong oxidizers
Shelf Life	2-5 years (under proper storage in sealed, dry containers)
Packaging Options	25 kg bags, 500 kg/1000 kg FIBCs (big bags), bulk silos

22. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Parameter	Information
UN Number	1362 (Activated Carbon - self-heating)
Hazard Class	4.2 (Substances liable to spontaneous combustion)
Packing Group	III
Proper Shipping Name	ACTIVATED CARBON
Marine Pollutant	No
ADR/RID Label	4.2

Note: Activated carbon is classified as a self-heating substance (Class 4.2) for transport in large quantities. Small consumer packages may be exempt.

23. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Region	Status
European Union (REACH)	Registered; approved for food contact (specific grades)
Turkey (KKDIK)	Mandatory compliance; registration required
USA (FDA)	Approved as food additive (21 CFR 182.99) – for specific applications
USA (EPA)	Listed as an inert ingredient for pesticides
WHO (World Health Organization)	Essential medicine (activated charcoal for poisoning treatment)

24. SECTORAL SUITABILITY SUMMARY

Sector	Preferred Form	Usage Share	Main Applications
Water and Wastewater	GAC, PAC	~40%	Drinking water, industrial wastewater, groundwater remediation
Air and Gas Purification	Pellet, GAC	~20%	HVAC, respiratory masks, flue gas, solvent recovery
Food and Beverage	PAC, GAC	~10%	Decaffeination, sugar refining, beverage processing
Pharmaceutical and Medical	PAC	~8%	Poisoning treatment, drug purification, hemoperfusion
Cosmetics and Personal Care	PAC	~5%	Face masks, toothpaste, deodorants
Chemical Industry	GAC, Pellet	~7%	Solvent recovery, catalyst support
Mining (Gold Recovery)	GAC	~5%	Gold cyanide adsorption (CIP/CIL)
Environmental	PAC, GAC	~5%	Soil remediation, landfill leachate

25. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

Turkish Name	English Name
Aktif Karbon	Activated Carbon
Aktif Kömür	Activated Charcoal
Toz Aktif Karbon	Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC)
Granül Aktif Karbon	Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
Ekstrüde Aktif Karbon	Extruded Activated Carbon (Pellet)
Emprenye Edilmiş Aktif Karbon	Impregnated Activated Carbon

26. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE

Property	Value
CAS Number	7440-44-0
EC Number	231-153-3
Chemical Formula	C (elemental carbon)
Appearance	Black powder or granules
Odor	Odorless
BET Surface Area	500 – 2,000 m²/g
Bulk Density	0.2 – 0.6 g/cm³
Iodine Number	500 – 1,200 mg/g
pH (aqueous extract)	5 – 10
Main Uses	Water treatment, air purification, food processing, pharmaceuticals, gold recovery
Shelf Life	2-5 years
UN Number	1362
Hazard Class	4.2 (Self-heating)

27. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL NOTICES

SUMMARY:

Activated Carbon (CAS 7440-44-0) is a highly porous carbon-based material with an exceptionally large internal surface area (500-2,000 m²/g). It adsorbs organic compounds, chlorine, odors, colors, and certain inorganic pollutants from liquids and gases. It is available in powder (PAC), granular (GAC), and pellet (extruded) forms. Its main applications include water treatment, air purification, food processing, pharmaceuticals, mining (gold recovery), and cosmetics.

CAS NUMBER WARNING:

CAS Number	Correct Use	Food Grade?
7440-44-0	Elemental carbon (activated carbon, vegetable carbon, charcoal)	Yes (specific grades)
1333-86-4	Industrial carbon black (tires, pigments, inks)	NO

KEY SAFETY POINTS:

Dust Hazard: Avoid inhalation of fine dust; may cause respiratory irritation.
Combustible: Dust may form explosive mixtures with air.
Self-Heating: Large quantities may self-heat (Transport Class 4.2).
Moisture Adsorption: Store in sealed, dry containers; moisture reduces adsorption capacity.
Low Toxicity: Generally considered safe.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. The information provided is based on available data and is believed to be accurate. However, the user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all applicable regulations and safety requirements. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.

Activated Carbon, Activated Charcoal, Activated Coal, 7440-44-0