What process does activated carbon use to remove substances?

Activated carbon primarily employs the process of adsorption to remove substances from water or air. In adsorption, contaminants from the liquid or gas phase hold onto the surface of the activated carbon due to intermolecular forces, creating a bond between the carbon's surface and the molecules of the contaminant. The large surface area and porous structure of activated carbon enhance its ability to attract and trap a wide range of organic compounds, odors, and other pollutants.

This method is highly effective because the activated carbon can capture and concentrate harmful substances, making it a popular choice in water treatment and air purification systems. The specificity and effectiveness of adsorption make it a preferred process for ensuring the removal of impurities rather than relying solely on physical separation methods such as filtration, which typically involves just the passage of substances through a barrier without the same level of interaction with the material itself.