activated carbon

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a form of carbon having very fine pores: used chiefly for adsorbing gases or solutes, as in various filter systems for purification, deodorization, and decolorization.

activated carbon

noun

1. a porous highly adsorptive form of carbon used to remove colour or impurities from liquids and gases, in the separation and extraction of chemical compounds, and in the recovery of solvents Also calledactivated charcoalactive carbon

Word History and Origins

Origin of activated carbon¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Once the caffeine-laden CO₂ is separated from the beans, producers pass the CO₂ mixture either through a container of water or over a bed of activated carbon.

From Salon

“The most studied filtration method for this is activated carbon adsorption,” Campbell said.

From Los Angeles Times

The water will go through various stages of treatment, passing through activated carbon filters and reverse-osmosis membranes, as well as undergoing disinfection with UV light, among other treatments.

From Los Angeles Times

Adsorption with clay materials, activated carbon, iron oxide and natural materials such as coffee grounds, has also been used before and exhibit high cationic dye uptake, exchanging ions or forming bonds.

From Science Daily

Filters containing activated carbon or reverse osmosis membranes can remove the compounds.

From Seattle Times