Activated Charcoal
Detox & Liver Support
Overview
- Activated charcoal (AC), also known as activated carbon, is a highly porous form of carbon.
- It is thermally “activated” to create an extensive network of microscopic pores.
- Its primary purpose is to adsorb (bind) a wide range of substances in the gastrointestinal tract.
- This reduces their absorption into the body.
Chemistry
- Composition: Activated charcoal is not a discrete molecule but a heterogeneous carbon matrix.
- Empirical Formula: Its empirical composition approximates C₁₀₀ (pure carbon).
- Structure: It has a highly irregular, amorphous structure lacking a definitive molecular formula or IUPAC name.
- Pore Structure: The material consists of fused aromatic rings (sp²-hybridized) arranged in a three-dimensional network with micro- (<2 nm), meso- (2–50 nm) and macropores (>50 nm).
- Activation Process: The high surface area arises from pyro-thermal treatment (800–1000 °C) and activation (steam or CO₂).
- This generates abundant edge-plane sites and functional groups (hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxyl).
- Activated State: The “activated” state refers to the presence of these surface functional groups and the extensive porosity.
- This enables the adsorption of a broad spectrum of organic and inorganic substances.
Sources & Quality
- Feedstocks: Commercial activated charcoal is primarily derived from high-carbon feedstocks.
- Examples include coconut shells, hardwood, or bamboo.
- Coconut Shell AC: Coconut-shell AC is favored for supplements.
- It yields a high proportion of micropores and minimal ash content.
- This enhances purity and adsorption capacity.
- Production Process: The process typically involves carbonization of the raw material.
- This is followed by activation with steam or CO₂ at 800–1000 °C.
- This develops the porous structure.
- Quality Control: Quality control includes measuring surface area (BET method), iodine and methylene-blue adsorption capacities, and microbial sterility.
- Pharmaceutical Grade: For pharmaceutical-grade AC, GMP-certified manufacturers must provide a certificate of analysis.
- This confirms heavy-metal limits (<10 ppm lead, <5 ppm arsenic) and absence of microbial contamination.
Where to Buy Activated Charcoal
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