adsorption
Molecules grabbing surfaces
Adsorption is the adhesion of molecules to a surface, distinct from absorption, where substances permeate throughout a material.
In adsorption, gas or liquid molecules collect on the outer surface of a solid or liquid: Activated charcoal works by adsorption, trapping toxins on its surface.
The process is important in water purification, catalysis, and air filtration.
Porous charcoal for filtration
- zeolitePorous aluminosilicate mineral
- silica gelMoisture-absorbing granular material
- charcoalBurned wood residue
- biocharCharred biomass soil amendment
alumina · clay · bentonite · diatomite · perlite · aerogel · graphene · nanotubes
Outermost boundary layer
- bindingLegally or morally required
- affinityNatural liking or attraction
- adhesionState of clinging fast
- van der WaalsWeak intermolecular attractive force
intermolecular · monolayer · multilayer · coverage · selectivity · reversibility · equilibrium · activation energy
Accelerating reactions without consumption
- chromatographyTechnique separating mixtures by differential migration
- drug deliveryConveying medicine to tissues
- sensorsDevices that detect input
- desiccantMoisture-absorbing material
Cleaning supply for consumption
- air filtrationRemoving impurities from atmosphere
- pollutantEnvironment-harming agent
- toxinBiological-origin harm agent
- heavy metalsDense metallic environmental contaminants
decontamination · membrane · filter · effluent · wastewater · odor control · desulfurization · carbon capture
activated carbon
Porous charcoal for filtration
- zeolitePorous aluminosilicate mineral
- silica gelMoisture-absorbing granular material
- charcoalBurned wood residue
biochar · alumina · clay · bentonite · diatomite · perlite · aerogel · graphene · nanotubes · resin
surface
Outermost boundary layer
- bindingLegally or morally required
- affinityNatural liking or attraction
- adhesionState of clinging fast
van der Waals · intermolecular · monolayer · multilayer · coverage · selectivity · reversibility · equilibrium · activation energy · enthalpy
catalysis
Accelerating reactions without consumption
- chromatographyTechnique separating mixtures by differential migration
- drug deliveryConveying medicine to tissues
- sensorsDevices that detect input
water treatment
Cleaning supply for consumption
- air filtrationRemoving impurities from atmosphere
- pollutantEnvironment-harming agent
- toxinBiological-origin harm agent
heavy metals · decontamination · membrane · filter · effluent · wastewater · odor control · desulfurization · carbon capture
adsorptionabsorption
Process of taking in
dissolution · permeation · diffusion · penetration · infiltration
adsorptionoutgassing
Releasing trapped gas
release · emission · degassing · stripping · evaporation
absorb, absorption, absorptive, sorption, adsorb, resorption, sorb, resorb, adsorbed