What is Activated Alumina?

Activated alumina is a porous, granular form of aluminum oxide that has a high surface area. It is often used as a desiccant, which means it has the ability to adsorb and hold water vapor from the surrounding air. This makes activated alumina a popular choice for various drying and purification applications.

The activation process involves heating aluminum hydroxide to produce a highly porous material with a large surface area. The resulting activated alumina has a network of fine pores and a significant capacity for adsorbing moisture and certain gases. Due to its ability to adsorb water, activated alumina is commonly used in drying processes for gases and liquids, such as in compressed air and natural gas drying systems.

Additionally, activated alumina finds applications in areas like water treatment, where it can be employed to remove fluoride and other impurities from drinking water. It is also used as a catalyst support in certain chemical and petrochemical processes.

Activated alumina is known for its stability and resistance to thermal and mechanical shock, making it a versatile material in various industrial applications where moisture control and purification are essential.