When it comes to improving the air quality in your home, most people think about removing dust, pollen, and pet dander. But what about the smells, gases, and invisible chemicals that a standard filter can’t catch? That’s where activated carbon filters come in.
These filters are a powerful part of any air purifier — especially for households dealing with odours, smoke, or chemical sensitivities. In this article, we’ll explore how activated carbon filters work, why they matter, and how to choose the right Ionmax air purifier to help you breathe easier.
What is an activated carbon filter?
Activated carbon (also known as activated charcoal) is a highly porous form of carbon that’s been treated to increase its surface area. Just one gram of activated carbon can have a surface area of over 3,000 square metres, giving it exceptional ability to trap and hold gas molecules.
Activated carbon is also known for its massive surface area and ability to trap gases and chemicals — a feature well-documented in EPA’s guide on air cleaning devices.
In air purifiers, this type of filter is used to capture volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odours, smoke, and harmful fumes that other filters — like HEPA filters — can’t remove.
How does an activated carbon filter work?
Unlike absorption (where one substance is soaked up by another), activated carbon works through adsorption. This means that gases and odour-causing molecules stick to the surface of the carbon as air passes through the filter.
Unlike absorption, adsorption is a surface-based process — learn more about the science behind it in this Science Direct article.
Activated carbon filters are especially effective at capturing:
- Smoke (from cooking or cigarettes)
- Household odours (pet smells, bins, food)
- VOCs from paints, cleaning products, and furniture
- Harmful gases like formaldehyde and benzene
These pollutants are often too small or chemically different to be trapped by traditional filters — making activated carbon an essential layer in any high-quality air purifier.
Benefits of activated carbon filters
Activated carbon filters offer several unique benefits that go beyond standard dust filtration:
✅ Removes odours – From litter boxes to kitchen smells, carbon filters neutralise unpleasant scents quickly.
✅ Traps harmful gases – Filters out VOCs, smoke, and airborne chemicals.
✅ Improves air for sensitive individuals – Ideal for people with asthma, allergies, or chemical sensitivities.
✅ Works quietly and safely – No ozone or chemical sprays required — just clean, breathable air.
Where else are activated carbon filters used?
Because of their effectiveness, activated carbon filters are widely used in:
- Home air purifiers
- Medical and healthcare settings
- Gas masks and industrial respirators
- Water purification systems
- Laboratories and cleanrooms
If your space contains strong smells, off-gassing furniture, or frequent use of household chemicals, an air purifier with a carbon filter can make a noticeable difference.
Choosing an air purifier with activated carbon
All Ionmax air purifiers are equipped with activated carbon filters to help reduce odours and airborne chemicals. But if odour control and chemical removal are top priorities, here are two models worth considering:
Ionmax+ AIRE – Best for powerful odour removal
This Sensitive Choice approved air purifier is ideal for large spaces and households with strong odours.
It combines activated carbon filtration with a TiO₂ (titanium dioxide) filter, which further breaks down airborne pollutants like VOCs and bacteria under UV light.
Perfect for:
- Living rooms
- Open-plan homes
- Pet-heavy households
- Homes with chemical sensitivities
Ionmax Breeze Plus – Compact and effective
For smaller rooms like bedrooms, home offices, or nurseries, the Breeze Plus offers 5-stage filtration, including activated carbon. It’s a great everyday air purifier with whisper-quiet operation and compact design.
Want help choosing the right unit? Have a read of our Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Air Purifier to help you compare features and find what suits your space.
A small filter with a big impact
Activated carbon filters may be small, but their impact on your air quality is enormous. Whether you’re dealing with pet odours, smoke, or chemical fumes, adding activated carbon to your air purification setup is a smart, low-maintenance way to protect your home’s air.
Explore our full range of Ionmax air purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filtration today and breathe the difference.
