adsorb
Gather onto surfaces
Adsorb is a chemistry term meaning to accumulate on a surface.
Unlike absorb, where a substance is taken into another (a sponge absorbs water), adsorb describes molecules adhering to the outside of a material: Activated charcoal adsorbs toxins.
The distinction matters in filtration, catalysis, and materials science.
Accumulation on a surface
- monolayerSingle-atom-thick coating
- isothermConstant-temperature boundary line
- BET theorySurface area measurement technique
- surfaceOutermost boundary layer
equilibrium · kinetics · enthalpy · intermolecular · catalysis · porosity · saturation · affinity
Porous charcoal for filtration
- aluminaOxide of a light metal
- silica gelMoisture-absorbing granular material
- biocharCharred biomass soil amendment
- bentoniteAsh-derived absorbent clay
diatomite · clay · aerogel · perlite · vermiculite · cellulose · peat · charcoal
Cleaning supply for consumption
- carbon filterAbsorbent purification medium
- air purificationCleansing breathable atmosphere
- filtrationSeparating solids from liquids
- desalinationExtracting salt from seawater
deionization · softening · heavy metals · odor control · gas mask · respirator
adsorption
Accumulation on a surface
- monolayerSingle-atom-thick coating
- isothermConstant-temperature boundary line
- BET theorySurface area measurement technique
surface · equilibrium · kinetics · enthalpy · intermolecular · catalysis · porosity · saturation · affinity · selectivity
activated carbon
Porous charcoal for filtration
- aluminaOxide of a light metal
- silica gelMoisture-absorbing granular material
- biocharCharred biomass soil amendment
bentonite · diatomite · clay · aerogel · perlite · vermiculite · cellulose · peat · charcoal · resin
water treatment
Cleaning supply for consumption
- carbon filterAbsorbent purification medium
- air purificationCleansing breathable atmosphere
- filtrationSeparating solids from liquids
desalination · deionization · softening · heavy metals · odor control · gas mask · respirator
- lab verbsanalyze, boil, calibrate, centrifuge, condense