Eli5: How is Charcoal activated and what makes it different from normal charcoal?

Question

I’m trying to see if I can make my own activated charcoal diy, from bonfire charcoal and if it is equally as good as the purchased activated charcoal.

In: 817

Answer 1

Activated charcoal contains many tiny pores which will trap molecules of a certain size while not affecting smaller molecules. It is made by subjecting charcoal to high temperature steam which breaks down the charred remains of the cells in the wood leaving tiny pores behind. There are various guides showing you how to make activated charcoal at home. The results is generally not as good as the industrial made activated charcoal as you have less control on the size of the pores and generally make less pores then the commercial stuff. But it is certainly possible.