Bamboo Charcoal vs. Activated Charcoal (The Key Differences)
Bamboo charcoal is made by heating bamboo at high temperatures, while activated charcoal goes through an additional process of exposing the carbon source to steam or other gases.
Activated charcoal has a higher porosity and surface area than bamboo charcoal, making it more effective at adsorbing toxins.(1)
While bamboo charcoal may not be as effective as activated charcoal in specific areas like detoxification or medical purposes, it's still useful in other ways, such as regulating humidity levels indoors or improving soil quality when added to gardens or potted plants. (2)
The choice between bamboo charcoal and activated charcoal depends on your specific needs.
What Is Bamboo Charcoal & Activated Charcoal?
Bamboo charcoal is a form of natural carbon obtained by heating bamboo at high temperatures.
In contrast, activated charcoal is produced by exposing the carbon source to steam or other gases.
Origins & production methods
Bamboo and activated charcoal have distinct origins and production methods, contributing to their unique properties.
Bamboo charcoal is made from burning mature bamboo stalks at high temperatures, typically between 800°C and 1200°C, in a limited oxygen environment.
Conversely, activated charcoal comes from carbon-based materials, such as wood, peat, coconut shells, or bamboo.
The production process involves heating these materials at extreme temperatures (around 900°C) in a controlled atmosphere with activating agents such as steam or certain chemicals.
This "activation" causes micro-pores to form throughout the material – significantly increasing its surface area while enhancing its adsorption ability.
Physical & absorption properties
Bamboo and activated charcoal have distinct physical and absorption properties that set them apart.
Thanks to its unique production process, bamboo charcoal boasts a naturally porous structure with numerous micro-pores, giving it excellent absorption capabilities.
On the other hand, activated charcoal is specifically designed to achieve a higher level of porosity than regular charcoal.
The high-temperature heating process used to create it expands the surface area immensely—think of it like a microscopic sponge!
Because of this increased surface area, activated charcoal excels at adsorbing toxins from various sources, such as air purification systems or skin care products.
Critical Differences between Bamboo Charcoal & Activated Charcoal
Bamboo charcoal and activated charcoal may look similar, but they have some critical differences that you need to know if you want to get the most out of your charcoal.
Porosity & surface area
One critical difference between bamboo and activated charcoal is their porosity and surface area.
Porosity refers to tiny pores or holes in a material, contributing to its ability to trap and hold various substances.
Activated charcoal shines in this department due to its higher porosity and larger surface area than regular or raw bamboo charcoal.
In perspective, just one gram of activated charcoal can have a surface area equivalent to several football fields!
This incredible capacity allows it to effectively capture and retain odors, pollutants, toxins, and excess moisture from your living space.
Adsorption strength & capacity
Activated charcoal has a higher adsorption strength and capacity compared to bamboo charcoal.
This is because activated charcoal is treated with high temperatures, which causes it to have more pores and a larger surface area.
These properties allow the activated charcoal to trap and hold onto impurities like toxins, chemicals, and odors more effectively than bamboo charcoal.
For instance, if you have mold issues in your home, using activated charcoal can help improve air quality by trapping airborne spores that could lead to respiratory problems. (3)
Additionally, activated charcoal is commonly used for water purification due to its high adsorption power; it can effectively remove bacteria and other harmful substances from drinking water. (4)
Uses & applications
Bamboo and activated charcoal have various uses and applications in natural health and wellness.
Bamboo charcoal can be used as an air purifier, odor eliminator, moisture absorber, water purifier, soil enricher, and even for grilling techniques.
Activated charcoal has similar uses but is more effective due to its higher porosity and absorption capacity.
It can be used for medicinal purposes such as detoxifying the body from harmful chemicals or treating gastrointestinal issues.
It's commonly found in skincare products to help unclog pores and remove impurities from the skin.
Bamboo charcoal is excellent for general use, while activated charcoal should be reserved for more specialized purposes where more substantial absorption power is needed.
Read our blog "does activated charcoal work" to explore this further.
Bamboo Charcoal vs Activated Charcoal (Which is Better?)
Now, the million-dollar question: which one should you choose?
Factors to consider
Deciding between bamboo charcoal and activated charcoal can be challenging, but several factors must be considered before deciding.
First, think about the specific purpose you need the charcoal for - is it for air purification or water filtration?
Activated charcoal might be a better option for purifying air due to its high porosity and adsorption strength.
On the other hand, bamboo charcoal may work well for moisture absorption and odor elimination.
Another factor to consider is the production process.
While both charcoals offer health and wellness benefits, some people prefer using sustainable and eco-friendly materials like bamboo instead of other carbon-based substances, such as coconut shells or hardwoods like oak or hickory, to produce activated charcoal.
Pros & Cons of each
Bamboo and activated charcoal have unique pros and cons that must be considered before use.
The most significant advantage of bamboo charcoal is its natural source, making it a safer option for various uses.
Bamboo charcoal is also versatile. It can purify air and water, regulate humidity levels, improve soil quality, and even aid in skincare routines.
On the other hand, activated charcoal has more absorption strength than regular bamboo charcoal due to its higher porosity and surface area.
This makes it more effective for medicinal purposes like detoxifying the body of harmful chemicals or treating food poisoning.
However, one significant disadvantage of activated charcoal is that it may absorb essential nutrients from medication or foods when ingested.
Final Thoughts on Bamboo Charcoal Powder vs Activated Carbon
Deciding between bamboo charcoal and activated charcoal depends on your needs.
If you're after a natural air purifier or odor absorber, bamboo charcoal, with its sustainable bamboo roots and natural minerals, could be your go-to choice.
Yet, the versatility of both charcoals, from skincare enhancements to water purification and even improving grilling techniques, showcases their broad appeal.
Each charcoal type, derived from bamboo or produced through pyrolysis for activation, carries a suite of benefits.
Whether you prefer bamboo charcoal's carbonization process for its environmental benefits or prefer the intensive cleansing properties of activated charcoal, both offer valuable contributions to natural living and sustainability.
Your choice reflects a commitment to embracing natural solutions catering to various wellness and environmental needs.
Made up your mind?
Try our Wild Foods organic coconut activated charcoal today!
Or read about activated charcoal's shelf life here.
FAQs
What is the difference between bamboo charcoal and activated charcoal?
Bamboo charcoal is made from bamboo through pyrolysis, while activated charcoal is usually made from wood or coconut husks and chemically activated to increase its absorptive properties.
How is bamboo charcoal different from regular wood charcoal?
Bamboo charcoal is made specifically from bamboo plants, whereas regular wood charcoal is produced from various types of wood.
Is bamboo charcoal sustainable compared to other types of charcoal?
Yes, bamboo charcoal is considered sustainable because it is a fast-growing, renewable resource that can be harvested without harming the environment.
What are the benefits of using bamboo charcoal?
Bamboo charcoal absorbs odors, moisture, and impurities, making it useful for air purification, water filtration, skincare, and deodorizing.
How is activated bamboo charcoal different from bamboo charcoal?
Activated bamboo charcoal undergoes an additional activation process, increasing its surface area and absorptive properties compared to regular bamboo charcoal.
How is bamboo activated to make bamboo charcoal?
Bamboo is carbonized or heated at high temperatures without oxygen to produce bamboo charcoal, which can be further activated using steam or chemicals to enhance its absorption capabilities.
What can you do with waste bamboo to make bamboo charcoal?
Waste bamboo can be carbonized to produce bamboo charcoal briquettes, which can be used for cooking or as a sustainable alternative to traditional charcoal for grilling.
Related Studies
- To understand the adsorption characteristics, the basic features of porous activated bamboo charcoal involve charcoal yield, pH level, ash estimation, surface area of BET, pore volume, and powder size were calculated.
- A study on carbonizing temperature of bamboo charcoal and removal capability of harmful gases concluded that the effective carbonizing temperature is different for each chemical, and a charcoal must be specifically selected for use as an adsorbent.
- Activated charcoal can improve air quality and trap airborne spores, commonly used in air filtration systems.
- Several investigators have shown that the adsorption characteristics of different brands of activated carbon can be significantly different.
