The difference between activated carbon and silica gel - I

There are significant differences between activated carbon and silica gel in many aspects. The following is a detailed analysis of the differences between the two:

1. Basic properties

Activated Carbon

Definition: Activated carbon is a porous carbonaceous material particle with a highly developed microporous structure.

Composition: Mainly composed of carbon.

Characteristics: Activated carbon has a huge specific surface area, so it has strong adsorption capacity and can adsorb substances of different sizes.

Other properties: Activated carbon also has various properties such as heat resistance, acid resistance, alkali resistance, etc., and exhibits catalyst activity in certain adsorption processes.

Silica Gel

Definition: Silica gel, also known as silicic acid gel, is a highly active adsorption material and is an amorphous substance.

Ingredients: The main component of silica gel is silica.

Characteristics: Silica gel has good hygroscopic properties, stable chemical properties, and does not burn. Silica gel has a strong ability to absorb water, especially polar substances.

Application: Silica gel is not only used for drying and dehydration, but also as a carrier of petroleum component adsorbents and catalysts. It is widely used in construction, electronic and electrical, textile, automobile and other fields.

2. Application fields

Activated Carbon

Activated carbon is widely used in air purification, wastewater treatment, odor removal, gas separation and other fields due to its strong adsorption capacity.

Activated carbon can also be used as a catalyst carrier to participate in a variety of chemical reactions.

Silica Gel

Silica gel is often used as a desiccant, dehydrating agent, adsorbent, etc. due to its good hygroscopic properties and chemical stability.

In aerospace, cutting-edge technology, military technology and other fields, silicone is also used as a special material.