Key entities: activated carbon iodine number, iodine number, ASTM D4607, micropores, adsorption capacity, activated carbon quality, water treatment, ACC SP series, spherical activated carbon, Kureha BAC.
Activated Carbon Iodine Number Definition
Activated carbon iodine number is the most fundamental quality parameter for activated carbon. It measures the milligrams of iodine adsorbed by one gram of activated carbon under standardized test conditions (ASTM D4607). Activated carbon iodine number directly correlates with micropore content and small-molecule adsorption capacity – higher values indicate stronger ability to remove contaminants such as chlorine, VOCs, and solvents from water and air streams. For most industrial applications, ≥900 mg/g is considered good, while semiconductor and ultrapure water applications typically require ≥1,300 mg/g. (Source: ASTM D4607-14(2021); ACC product specifications)
Key Takeaways
- Activated carbon iodine number measures small-molecule adsorption capacity – Higher numbers mean more micropores and better removal of chlorine, VOCs, and solvents.
- Most industrial applications require ≥900 mg/g – Semiconductor and high-purity applications often require ≥1,300 mg/g.
- ASTM D4607 is the globally recognized test standard for activated carbon iodine number – Always request test reports from your supplier.
- ACC SP-1300 (≥1,300 mg/g) matches the industry benchmark (Kureha BAC: 1,200–1,350 mg/g).
- ACC SP-1500 (≥1,500 mg/g) exceeds the benchmark – one of the highest activated carbon iodine number values available.
What Is Activated Carbon Iodine Number and Why Should You Care?
Activated carbon iodine number is a measure of how much surface area your activated carbon has available for adsorption. Higher numbers mean more micropores (tiny cavities <2 nm), which means better capture of small molecules.
Think of it like this: A finer-mesh net (higher activated carbon iodine number) catches smaller fish (chlorine, VOCs). A larger-hole net (lower iodine number) lets them slip through.
Why it matters to you:
- If you’re buying activated carbon – iodine number is your primary quality check
- If you’re troubleshooting performance – low iodine number could be the cause
- If you’re comparing suppliers – activated carbon iodine number gives you a standardized basis for comparison
How Does Activated Carbon Iodine Number Affect Your System?
| Impact Area | What Happens | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Contaminant removal | Higher activated carbon iodine number = better removal of chlorine, VOCs, trace organics | Directly affects water quality and compliance |
| Carbon consumption | ≥1,100 mg/g lasts 20–30% longer than 800 mg/g | Reduces replacement frequency and labor |
| System reliability | Consistent iodine number reduces breakthrough risk | Protects downstream equipment and product quality |
Activated Carbon Iodine Number Values – What They Mean for You
| Iodine Number | Classification | What It Means for You | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| <500 mg/g | Low activity | Limited adsorption – not recommended for water treatment | Soil remediation, pre‑treatment |
| 500–900 mg/g | Medium activity | Basic filtration – OK for non‑critical uses | Odor control, general filtration |
| 900–1,100 mg/g | High activity | Standard choice – reliable performance | Drinking water, industrial wastewater |
| 1,100–1,300 mg/g | Very high activity | Excellent for demanding applications | Pharmaceutical, advanced water treatment |
| ≥1,300 mg/g | Ultra‑high activity | Premium performance – best‑in‑class | Semiconductor, ultrapure water, supercapacitor |
How Is Activated Carbon Iodine Number Tested? (ASTM D4607)
ASTM D4607 is the international standard for activated carbon iodine number testing. The process:
- Carbon sample is dried and ground to <50 μm
- ~0.15g sample is mixed with iodine solution for 15 minutes
- Remaining iodine is measured by titration
- Activated carbon iodine number is calculated from the amount adsorbed
Factors that can affect accuracy:
- Volatile matter – can block pores and give falsely low readings
- Sulfur compounds – can chemically consume iodine
- Water‑extractable substances – can interfere with titration
What to ask your supplier: Always request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) with the test date, batch number, and lab certification. Confirm the sample was properly dried and ground.
What Activated Carbon Iodine Number Do You Need?
| Your Application | Recommended Iodine Number |
|---|---|
| Drinking water treatment | ≥900 mg/g |
| Industrial wastewater | ≥900 mg/g |
| Food & beverage purification | ≥1,000 mg/g |
| Pharmaceutical manufacturing | ≥1,100 mg/g |
| Semiconductor / ultrapure water | ≥1,300 mg/g |
| Supercapacitor / energy storage | ≥1,500 mg/g |
ACC Product Range – Activated Carbon Iodine Number Performance
All ACC products are tested according to ASTM D4607-14(2021). Certificates of Analysis are available for each batch.
| ACC Product | Iodine Number | Raw Material | Key Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| SP-1000 | ≥1,000 mg/g | Resin‑based | Ultra‑pure water, general purification |
| SP-1300 | ≥1,300 mg/g | Resin‑based | Semiconductor, pharmaceutical |
| SP-1500 | ≥1,500 mg/g | Resin‑based | Supercapacitor, battery materials |
| SC-1200 | ≥1,200 mg/g | Coconut shell | Drinking water, catalyst support |
Industry Benchmark – Kureha BAC vs. ACC SP Series
Kureha BAC (Kureha Corporation, Japan) is the global reference for spherical activated carbon with iodine number 1,200–1,350 mg/g.
| Product | Iodine Number | Positioning vs. Kureha BAC |
|---|---|---|
| Kureha BAC | 1,200 – 1,350 | Industry benchmark |
| ACC SP-1000 | ≥1,000 | Entry‑level alternative |
| ACC SP-1300 | ≥1,300 | Direct equivalent |
| ACC SP-1500 | ≥1,500 | Exceeds benchmark |
If you’re currently using Kureha BAC: ACC SP-1300 is a direct replacement. For maximum adsorption capacity, SP-1500 is a clear upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is activated carbon iodine number?
It’s the amount of iodine (in milligrams) adsorbed by one gram of activated carbon under standard test conditions (ASTM D4607). It measures the carbon’s activation level and microporosity.
What is a good activated carbon iodine number?
For drinking water: ≥900 mg/g. For semiconductor: ≥1,300 mg/g. ACC SP-1500 achieves ≥1,500 mg/g.
Is activated carbon iodine number the only thing I should look at?
No. It’s the most important parameter for small molecules, but for larger contaminants (dyes, color bodies), you also need methylene blue number or pore size distribution.
How does ACC SP-1500 compare to industry benchmarks?
Kureha BAC has 1,200–1,350 mg/g. ACC SP-1300 matches it; SP-1500 (≥1,500 mg/g) exceeds it.
How do I verify a supplier’s iodine number claim?
Request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) with ASTM D4607 test results for your specific batch.
Is higher iodine number of activated carbon always better?
Usually, but not always. For large contaminants, a slightly lower iodine number with better mesopore distribution can be more effective.
What affects activated carbon iodine number accuracy?
Volatile matter, sulfur compounds, and water‑extractable substances can all interfere with the test.
Procurement Checklist
- Confirm your target contaminants are small molecules
- Specify activated carbon iodine number minimum:
- ≥900 mg/g for water treatment
- ≥1,300 mg/g for semiconductor
- Request ASTM D4607‑14(2021) test report
- Request Certificate of Analysis (COA) per batch
- For larger molecules, also request methylene blue number
Conclusion: 5 Actionable Steps
- Define your target contaminants – small molecules = high activated carbon iodine number
- Specify the iodine number range – use the table above as your guide
- Match your application to ACC products – SC‑1200, SP‑1300, or SP‑1500
- Request ASTM D4607 test reports and COA – verify before purchase
- Contact ACC for a custom recommendation – our team will help
Need a specific recommendation? Contact our experts for a free consultation.