Powdered activated carbon is an amorphous carbon in the form of black powder, blocks, granules, or honeycomb structures, and also includes crystalline carbon with a regular structure. In addition to carbon, powdered activated carbon contains two additives: one is a chemical element, primarily oxygen and hydrogen, which remain in the carbon due to incomplete carbonization, or are chemically bonded to the surface of the activated carbon during the activation process, along with foreign non-carbon elements; the other additive is ash, which is the inorganic part of the powdered activated carbon. Ash in activated carbon can easily cause secondary pollution. Due to its strong adsorption capacity, activated carbon is widely used in production and daily life.

Powdered activated carbon material is an amorphous carbon processed from raw materials. It boasts a large specific surface area and excellent adsorption capabilities for inorganic or organic substances in gases and solutions, as well as colloidal particles. The main types of powdered activated carbon include activated carbon and activated carbon fiber. As a high-performance adsorbent, powdered activated carbon primarily depends on its unique surface structure characteristics and chemical properties. It is chemically stable, has high mechanical strength, is resistant to acids, alkalis, and heat, and is insoluble in water and organic solvents, making it recyclable. It has been widely used in various fields such as chemical industry, environmental protection, food processing, metallurgy, and pharmaceutical refining. Currently, powdered activated carbon is extensively applied in wastewater treatment and air pollution control, showing a promising future in environmental pollution management.

The primary raw material for powdered activated carbon can almost be any carbon-rich organic material, such as coal, wood, fruit shells, coconut shells, walnut shells, apricot shells, jujube shells, etc. These carbon-containing materials are converted into activated carbon through pyrolysis at high temperatures and under certain pressure in an activation furnace. During this activation process, a vast surface area and a complex pore structure gradually form, where the so-called adsorption process takes place within these pores and on the surface.

The pore size of powdered activated carbon selectively adsorbs adsorbates due to large molecules being unable to enter activated carbon with smaller pore dimensions. Powdered activated carbon is a hydrophobic adsorbent made from carbon-based materials through high-temperature carbonization and activation. It contains a large number of micropores and a vast surface area, effectively removing colors and odors, and can eliminate most organic pollutants and some inorganic substances from secondary effluent, including certain toxic heavy metals.