Adsorption is a phenomenon that occurs when a substance in the gas or liquid phase becomes attached to the surface of a solid, liquid, or gas. It is a process where atoms, ions, molecules, or particles adhere to the surface of another substance, known as the adsorbent, creating a thin film or layer. This attraction between the adsorbate and the adsorbent is due to various physical and chemical forces, such as van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, or electrostatic interactions.
Adsorption is distinct from absorption, as absorption involves the penetration of an adsorbate into the bulk of a solid or liquid, while adsorption occurs only on the surface. The adsorbed molecules or particles accumulate on the surface in a dispersed manner rather than being uniformly dissolved or dispersed throughout the substance.
The adsorption process is influenced by several factors, including temperature, pressure, surface area, and concentration of the adsorbate. It is widely used in various industrial processes, such as purification, separation, and catalysis, due to its ability to selectively remove or concentrate specific substances from a mixture.
Adsorption is also an essential phenomenon in environmental science, playing a significant role in processes like water and air purification, pollutant removal, and gas separation. Additionally, it has applications in fields like pharmaceuticals, chromatography, and gas storage.
Overall, adsorption is an essential process that occurs when particles or molecules attach themselves to the surface of another substance, providing a means for purification, separation, and other critical industrial and environmental processes.
