How to Make Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a form of carbon that has been processed to have a large surface area or tiny pores, making it ideal for adsorbing substances. It can be used for a variety of applications, from purifying water and air to whitening teeth and treating poisoning. Fortunately, it is easy and inexpensive to make activated charcoal at home.
Materials Required to Make Activated Charcoal
- Hardwood charcoal pieces
- Container with a lid
- Heavy duty cable ties (Optional)
- Tarp or old sheet
- Oven mitts (Optional)
- Pressure cooker (Optional)
Steps to Make Activated Charcoal
- Begin by collecting the hardwood charcoal pieces. These can be purchased at a hardware store or camping shop. Alternatively, you can use scrap wood from a woodworking project.
- Next, place the pieces into a container and tightly seal the lid. If necessary, you can use heavy duty cable ties to make sure the lid is securely fastened.
- Lay down a tarp or an old sheet, then place the sealed container on top. Put on oven mitts and cautiously break the container open with a hammer.
- Using a pair of tongs or gloves, carefully remove the charcoal pieces by spreading them on the tarp.
- If possible, bake the charcoal pieces in an oven at around 150°C for two hours. For an even stronger product, place the pieces in a pressure cooker and let it sit at 121°C for two hours.
- Once the pieces have cooled off, inspect them and discard any bits that are too flaky or powdery.
- Store the pieces in a dry area and airtight container until you are ready to use the activated charcoal.
All in all, learning how to make activated charcoal is an easy and rewarding process. With the right materials and a bit of time, you will be able to produce your own activated charcoal for use in a variety of homemade projects.
