adsorbed
Clung to surface
Adsorbed describes molecules or particles that have accumulated on a surface rather than being absorbed into it.
Where absorption means soaking in, adsorption means clinging to the outside: Gas molecules adsorbed onto the charcoal filter.
The distinction matters in chemistry and materials science, where surface interactions differ fundamentally from bulk penetration.
Accumulation on a surface
- monolayerSingle-atom-thick coating
- multilayerHaving multiple strata
- surface areaMeasure of outer boundary
- coverageExtent of inclusion
BET theory · van der Waals · enthalpy · kinetics · equilibrium · affinity · heterogeneity · activated carbon
Removal of contaminants
- filtrationSeparating solids from liquids
- removalAct of taking away
- extractionAct of removing
- decontaminationRemoving dangerous substances
trapping · retention · isolation · enrichment · membrane · separation · cleaning · water treatment
Allowing passage of fluids
- surface areaMeasure of outer boundary
- activated carbonPorous charcoal for filtration
- zeolitePorous aluminosilicate mineral
- silica gelMoisture-absorbing granular material
adsorption
Accumulation on a surface
- monolayerSingle-atom-thick coating
- multilayerHaving multiple strata
- surface areaMeasure of outer boundary
coverage · BET theory · van der Waals · enthalpy · kinetics · equilibrium · affinity · heterogeneity · activated carbon · sorption
purification
Removal of contaminants
- filtrationSeparating solids from liquids
- removalAct of taking away
- extractionAct of removing
decontamination · trapping · retention · isolation · enrichment · membrane · separation · cleaning · water treatment · chromatography
porous
Allowing passage of fluids
- surface areaMeasure of outer boundary
- activated carbonPorous charcoal for filtration
- zeolitePorous aluminosilicate mineral
silica gel · porosity · nanopore · charcoal · carbon nanotube