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Carbon black vs. black carbon and other airborne materials containing elemental carbon: Physical and chemical distinctions

Year: 2013
Type: review
Abstract: Airborne particles containing elemental carbon (EC) are currently at the forefront of scientific and regulatory scrutiny, including black carbon, carbon black, and engineered carbon-based nanomaterials, e.g., carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, and graphene. Scientists and regulators sometimes group these EC-containing particles together, for example, interchangeably using the terms carbon black and black carbon despite one being a manufactured product with well-controlled properties and the other being an undesired, incomplete-combustion byproduct with diverse properties. In this critical review, we synthesize information on the contrasting properties of EC-containing particles in order to highlight significant differences that can affect hazard potential. We demonstrate why carbon black should not be considered a model particle representative of either combustion soots or engineered carbon-based nanomaterials. Overall, scientific studies need to distinguish these highly different EC-containing particles with care and precision so as to forestall unwarranted extrapolation of properties, hazard potential, and study conclusions from one material to another.
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2013.06.009
Language: English
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,090
OpenAlex ID: W2064191532
FWCI: 1.303
Cites: 89
Cited by: 581
Related to: 10