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Palm shell activated carbon

(947 products available)

About palm shell activated carbon

Types of palm shell activated carbons

Palm shell activated carbon is a type of activated carbon made from palm kernel shells. It is getting widespread use due to its good adsorption capacity, small pore size, and high surface area. Generally, there are three common methods of classifying activated carbons: raw materials, processing methods, and forms.

  • According to the raw materials: Apart from palm kernel shells, other materials that can be used to make activated carbon include wood, coal, and other biomass. Each material imparts distinct characteristics to the activated carbon in the final stage. For example, wood-based activated carbons tend to have high micropore volumes and surface areas, making them ideal for adsorbing small molecules and vapors. Coal-based activated carbons, on the other hand, have a higher hardness and are suitable for high-pressure applications.
  • According to the processing methods: There are two main methods of making activated carbon - physical and chemical activation. Among the many methods of physical activation are steam activation and carbon dioxide activation. As mentioned, physical activation entails pyrolyzing the precursor material in places with little oxygen. On the other hand, chemical activation involves treating palm kernel shells with specific chemicals like zinc chloride and phosphoric acid at low or moderate temperatures.
  • According to the forms: Activated carbon is generally available in both powdered and granular forms. Palm kernel shell activated carbon generally has a smaller particle size and higher surface area because of the raw material and production method. Powdered activated carbon (PAC) is effective for precise adsorption tasks, like decolorization or the removal of trace contaminants, while granular activated carbon (GAC) is more suitable for applications where high flow rates are involved, such as water treatment.

The aforementioned types of palm shell activated carbons have distinct applications for business buyers. Hence, business buyers can choose the suitable type of activated carbon according to specific needs.

Specification and Maintenance of Palm Shell Activated Carbons

The efficiency of palm shell activated carbons largely relies on their specifications. Some of the key specifications include pore size distribution, surface area, particle size, etc.

  • Surface Area

    The surface area of activated carbon is an important factor that determines its adsorbing capacity. Palm kernel activated carbon with a higher surface area will have more pores available to hold different molecules. This will consequently result in better performance in purifying and filtering. The surface area can range from 400 to over 2000 m2/g.

  • Pore Size Distribution

    The pores of activated carbon can be divided into three categories: micropores (diameter less than 0.2 nm), mesopores (diameter range 2-50 nm), and macropores (diameter greater than 50 nm). Micropores are ideal for trapping small molecules, while mesopores and macropores improve the overall accessibility of the activated carbon.

  • Particle Size

    The particle size of activated carbon affects both flow rate and adsorption efficiency. Smaller particles create more gaps within the activated carbon, leading to a rapid flow rate. However, smaller particles may have a negative impact on adsorption capacity. Larger particles carbonize more easily and have better adsorption. Carbon particle sizes typically range from 0.18 to 0.25mm. The size can be adjusted according to individual usage needs.

  • Ash Content

    The ash content of activated carbon refers to the inorganic residues that remain after combustion. These residues can clog the pores of the activated carbon and reduce surface area, thereby lowering the carbon's efficiency. The palm kernel shell carbon has an incredibly low ash content, making it an excellent option for adsorption.

As mentioned earlier, the performance of palm shell activated carbons relies heavily on the specifications. However, just like any other product, activated carbon needs maintenance in order to preserve its effectiveness and longevity.

It is crucial to store the activated carbon properly. This will avoid it from becoming saturated with contaminants. Make sure it is stored in dry and clean containers that are well-sealed. Avoid aerosol products and dusty environments as they may cause particle accumulation in the activated carbon. Also, keep it away from water and moisture. Leaks should be handled as soon as possible. If there is any spillage of liquid on the carbon, remove it right away to avoid saturation. Water can also be a great enemy, causing needless degradation.

Regular cleaning is a great way to maintain palm shell activated carbon. Rinsing it with clean water helps remove any debris or dirt that gets stuck in the pores of the carbon. The rinsing process causes pore opening, thereby improving reabsorption ability.

Uses of palm shell activated carbon

Palm shell activated carbons have a very wide range of applications and uses across several industries due to their efficient adsorption capacity.

  • Water treatment: Palm shell activated carbon is used in water treatment plants to purify drinking water, remove contaminants, odor, and taste, as well as extract harmful substances like pesticides, heavy metals, and bacteria.
  • Air purification: This activated carbon is used in air purifiers, deodorizers, and waste gas treatment systems to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, benzene, and other harmful gases from the air, thereby improving indoor air quality.
  • Industrial gas separation and purification: Palm shell activated carbon is employed in the chemical and petrochemical industries for gas separation and purification. It is used to remove impurities from gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and ammonia, and to recover valuable gases.
  • Solvent recovery: In the solvent distillation process, palm shell activated carbon can be used to recover and purify organic solvents such as paints, coatings, and acetone, thereby reducing environmental pollution and production costs.
  • Catalyst carrier: Palm shell activated carbon, with its high specific surface area and porosity, can serve as a catalyst carrier, supporting and dispersing catalysts in chemical reactions to enhance reaction activity and selectivity.
  • Electronics industry: In the electronics industry, activated carbon from palm shells is used to manufacture supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries. It functions as an electrode material that stores and releases electrical energy, thereby contributing to energy storage devices' performance and stability.
  • Medicine and health care: With its ability to absorb toxins and impurities, palm shell activated carbon is used in medical and healthcare applications like activated carbon Antibiotic medicine, detoxification therapy, and food additives. It helps to purify the body and improve human health.

How to choose palm shell activated carbons

Wholesale buyers should consider the following factors when selecting palm activated carbon for their target customers:

  • Source of raw material:

    Offered by nature, the performance of activated carbon from palm kernel shells is significantly influenced by the quality of the palm itself. It's paramount for businesses to ensure the supplier uses high-quality palm fruit as the raw material. Superior raw materials lead to more effective adsorption properties, resulting in greater customer satisfaction and repeat purchases.

  • Production process:

    The production process of palm shell carbon involves carbonization, activation, and steam activation, among other steps. These processes determine the particle size, pores, and surface area of the activated carbon. A well-developed production process ensures that the end product has optimal adsorption capacity and uniform particle distribution.

  • Purification:

    Some manufacturers sell palm shell active carbon that still contains tar and phenolic compounds. Such materials will always release harmful substances into the air, even when there is no adsorption. More importantly, these pollutants can clog the carbon pores, reducing their effectiveness. Therefore, it's crucial to choose a supplier who adequately purifies the activated carbon, ensuring a safe and efficient product.

  • Particle size:

    Palm shell carbons are available in different sizes, such as 3-5 mesh, 4-8 mesh, 8-12 mesh, and 12-20 mesh. Granules with a diameter of 4-12 mesh are suitable for gas-phase adsorption. However, they may not adequately meet the liquid-phase adsorption needs, while those with a diameter of 8-30 mesh are more suitable for liquid-phase adsorption. Depending on the customer's needs, buyers can choose manufacturers that can provide them with activated carbon of the required size.

  • Packaging:

    A larger quantity of palm kernel activated carbon will create more demand for safer and more effective transportation. Select suppliers who offer well-packaged products. Carbon dust is a major contributor to product loss during transportation. Choose suppliers who provide dust-free packaging to minimize this issue.

  • Quality certifications:

    It's wise for buyers to choose suppliers of palm activated carbon who possess multiple quality certifications. These suppliers are more likely to provide customers with palm activated carbon of better quality and improved service. For instance, ISO 9001 certification denotes that the supplier's quality management system meets international standards.

  • Price/Performance Ratio:

    Users are increasingly conscious of the cost, making it critical to assess the price/performance ratio rather than just the price. Consider performance features like absorption amounts instead of merely focusing on the final price. Examine the details carefully. For example, if one supplier's carbon has a higher absorption capacity, a slightly higher price may still be justified.

  • Reputation of the Manufacturer:

    It's wise for buyers to pay attention to the supplier's reputation among other wholesale buyers. A supplier who has won the trust of many other businesses is likely to offer excellent service and high-quality products. They often possess rich experience in palm shell activated carbon production and supply, which ensures stable product quality and timely delivery.

Q&A

Q1: What are the differences in pores and surface area between palm kernel vs. coconut shell activated carbon?

A1: The morphology of activated carbon is crucial in determining its adsorption capacity. This includes the pore structure, pore size distribution, and surface area. Studies show that coconut shell activated carbon has a larger number of pores and more surface area than those in palm kernel ones. This makes the former more effective in removing substances.

Q2: Does the yield of activated carbon differ between gas and chemical activation methods?

A2: Yes, the yield of activated carbon can vary between the gas and chemical activation methods. Generally, chemical activation tends to produce a higher yield of activated carbon from palm kernels compared to gas activation. This is because chemical activation can create a more extensive network of pores in the carbon, making it more effective and efficient.

Q3: What are some applications for palm kernel activated carbon?

A3: Palm kernel activated carbon is widely used in water and air treatment, gold recovery, gas, and smoke adsorption. It can also be used in medical applications, such as detoxifying drugs and poisons. It can also be used in the makeup industry to produce products like facial masks.