That explains some of it. Thanks. Carbons a metalloid??
True enough, carbon isn't a metaloid, but it's close.
If there's such a thing as a "poor metal" maybe there's such a thing as a "poor non-metal"
I know activated carbon is very porous but what I was asking is if thats the reason it has a large surface area or are there other factors involved? I know thats the case with perlite. It only has a large surface area because its packed full of cracks and gaps. What I'm wondering is why does a large surface area absorb substances more readily. When talking about surface area and absorbing I'm guessing they are referring to very porous substances.
Cracks, gaps, pores, interstitial spaces, aren't those all the same thing? Just different names?
What do you mean molecules are attracted by dispersion forces? Thats the first time I've heard the term dispersion forces.
Oh, I don't know, what are the kids calling it these days
London forces? Or Van Der Walls? Again with the names.
I don't understand how they have an affinity for aromatic compounds either. You say activated carbon is bonded hexagonally like benzene. When you say think of a pi bond to you mean pi bonds between the carbon atoms?
Look at a graphite structure, see it as stacks of hexagonal carbon atoms. That is one, of the many, natural carbon associations in amorphous carbon.
Don't just stick with carbon either. Finely divided platinum, called platinum black, is very useful for hydrogenation. Hydrogen has a special affinity for a platinum surface, but to get the best yeild, you need as much surface as possible.