Activated carbon, also known as activated charcoal, is a black powdered or granular amorphous carbon. In addition to carbon, activated carbon contains elements such as oxygen and hydrogen. Faced with the hazards of formaldehyde, many people use various methods to remove indoor formaldehyde molecules after renovating their new homes, in order to avoid harming their health. Is activated carbon effective in removing formaldehyde?
Is Activated Carbon Effective in Removing Formaldehyde?
In order to simulate a poorly ventilated indoor environment, a sealed space was constructed using plastic boxes, and formaldehyde solution was placed inside to emit volatile gases. Sampling detection was carried out using a spectrophotometer. The measured formaldehyde content inside the sealed plastic box was 0.13 milligrams per cubic meter. After placing a packet of activated carbon in the sealed box and measuring again after 5 minutes, the formaldehyde content was 0.08 milligrams per cubic meter. When the activated carbon that adsorbed formaldehyde was placed in a normal environment without formaldehyde, the formaldehyde that had been treated by activated carbon was released back into the indoor air. However, after one hour, almost no formaldehyde could be detected.
The Principle of Activated Carbon in Removing Formaldehyde
Activated carbon adsorbs formaldehyde, but it cannot completely trap formaldehyde inside the activated carbon to prevent it from being released. Therefore, activated carbon only has the function of adsorbing formaldehyde, not removing it.
Placing Activated Carbon at the Source of Pollution Can Adsorb Formaldehyde
Placing activated carbon adsorption packs directly in indoor cabinets, shoe cabinets, bookcases, and kitchen cabinets, which are the key sources of formaldehyde, can effectively adsorb the formaldehyde inside the pollution sources.
Optimal Placement Height for Activated Carbon is 180 cm
Harmful gases like formaldehyde in the indoor environment have a higher molecular ratio than air. Therefore, the lower part of the indoor space is more severely contaminated. The height of 180 cm is equivalent to the height of a person, making it the best position for activated carbon to remove formaldehyde.
Activated Carbon Must be Sun-Dried After 10 Days of Use
After using activated carbon for ten days, it must be sun-dried for 3-5 hours. Activated carbon only has the function of adsorbing formaldehyde, not converting formaldehyde molecules into non-toxic substances. Therefore, exposing activated carbon, which is saturated with formaldehyde, to sunlight can effectively remove the formaldehyde from the activated carbon and allow it to be reused. This method can effectively maintain the effectiveness of activated carbon for 6-10 months.
