aktiveerattuahiiltä

Aktiveerattuahiiltä is a nonstandard Finnish term that broadly refers to activated carbon, a highly porous form of carbon used as an adsorbent. In Finnish, the common official term is aktiivihiili or aktiivihiili. The concept behind active carbon is its increased surface area and porosity, which enable it to trap a wide range of molecules from liquids and gases.

Production of aktivoitu hiili occurs mainly by two routes. Physical activation involves carbon-rich precursors being carbonized and then activated with steam or carbon dioxide at high temperatures, creating a network of micro- and mesopores. Chemical activation uses activating agents such as phosphoric acid or zinc chloride to impregnate the precursor before carbonization at lower temperatures, often resulting in a higher proportion of micropores. Feedstocks can include coal, coconuts, wood, or biomass residues.

Key properties include a very large specific surface area, typically several hundred to over a thousand square meters per gram, and a predominantly porous structure. The surface can be hydrophobic or tailored with functional groups to target specific contaminants. Typical performance depends on pore size distribution, activation method, and treatment history.

Applications cover water and air purification, decolorization in the food and pharmaceutical industries, toxin and odor removal, and catalytic support in chemical processes. Regeneration is commonly achieved thermally or by steam, allowing repeated use, though regeneration incurs energy costs and potential loss of adsorption capacity over time. Environmental considerations include handling of spent material and emissions during regeneration. Safety concerns focus on dust hazards, inhalation risk, and proper handling in industrial settings.