Activated carbon is a porous material with a very high specific surface area and adsorption capacity. Impregnated activated carbon can allow it to carry other substances, thereby giving it specific functions or enhancing its original performance. The following are some applications of impregnated activated carbon in different fields:

1. Catalyst carrier

Impregnation of metal catalysts:

By impregnating metal precursors (such as silver nitrate, nickel chloride, etc.) into activated carbon and then reducing it, supported metal catalysts can be prepared. Common applications include:

Hydrogenation reaction: For example, it is used for hydrogenation in petrochemicals to improve fuel quality.

Oxidation reaction: For example, it is used for selective oxidation reactions in industrial organic synthesis.

Dechlorination reaction: For example, it is used for the degradation of organic chlorides in water treatment.

2. Water treatment

Adsorption of heavy metal ions:

Activated carbon is impregnated with specific reagents such as iron salts, manganese salts, etc., which can enhance its adsorption capacity for heavy metal ions. It is used to remove heavy metal pollution such as lead, cadmium, and mercury from water.

Removal of organic pollutants:

Impregnation with oxidants (such as hydrogen peroxide) or photocatalysts (such as titanium dioxide) can enhance the degradation ability of activated carbon for organic pollutants.

3. Gas purification

Removal of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S):

Activated carbon impregnated with alkaline substances (such as sodium hydroxide and potassium carbonate) can efficiently adsorb and decompose hydrogen sulfide, and is widely used in industrial waste gas treatment and gas purification.

Removal of ammonia (NH₃) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs):

Activated carbon impregnated with acidic substances (such as phosphoric acid) or other chemical reagents can effectively remove ammonia and various VOCs from the air.

4. Medical and chemical fields

Drug preparations:

By impregnating active pharmaceutical ingredients, activated carbon can be used to prepare sustained-release drug carriers for specific therapeutic purposes.

Chemical separation:

In chemical production, activated carbon impregnated with specific compounds can be used for the separation and purification of certain gas or liquid mixtures.

5. Environmental protection

Soil remediation:

Impregnating activated carbon with certain trace elements or chemical reagents and then using it to remediate contaminated soil can enhance its ability to adsorb and fix pollutants and reduce the migration of pollutants.

6. Food and beverage industry

Removing odor and color:

Activated carbon impregnated with specific decolorizing or deodorizing reagents is often used in the production process of food and beverages to remove odor and pigments and improve product quality.

7. Energy field

Supercapacitor electrode materials:

By impregnating conductive polymers or metal oxides, activated carbon can be used to prepare high-performance supercapacitor electrode materials to improve energy storage efficiency and life.

8. Laboratory applications

Chromatographic separation:

Activated carbon impregnated with specific reagents can be used as a stationary phase in gas or liquid chromatography to improve separation effects.

Through the impregnation treatment of different substances, activated carbon shows its wide application value and flexibility in many fields. The choice of specific application depends on the nature of the target pollutant or reactant, as well as the desired treatment effect.