Activated carbons have a large
adsorption capacity, preferably for small molecules, and are used for purification of liquids and gases.
By controlling the process of
carbonization and
activation, a variety of active carbons having different
porosity can be obtained. Activated carbons are used mainly in granular and powdered forms,
but can also be produced in textile form by controlled
carbonization and
activation of textile fibres. Other terms used in the literature: active carbons, active charcoals.