Sorbentbased

Sorbent-based refers to systems or materials that remove, capture, or concentrate substances by sorption, a process that includes both adsorption (surface binding) and absorption (bulk uptake). In sorbent-based technologies, the target contaminant is held by the sorbent material, either on its surface or within its pores, enabling separation from the surrounding medium. Some definitions also include chemisorption, where chemical bonds form between the sorbate and sorbent.

Common sorbents include activated carbon, zeolites, silica gels, aluminas, clays, resins, and various porous inorganic or organic materials. Natural sorbents such as wood, peat, and agricultural byproducts are used in some applications, while advanced materials like metal-organic frameworks or tailored polymers may offer higher selectivity or capacity. Sorbents are selected based on properties such as surface area, pore size distribution, chemical affinity for the target species, and stability under operating conditions.

Applications span environmental, industrial, and consumer sectors. In environmental remediation, sorbent-based systems remove organic pollutants, heavy metals, or oils from soil and water. In air and gas treatment, they capture volatile organic compounds, odors, or moisture; in gas purification, they separate or concentrate gases such as CO2. Sorbents are also used in spill response, solvent recovery, and chemical processing to improve purity and reduce emissions.

Key considerations include adsorption capacity, selectivity, regeneration or disposal options, and cost. Regeneration methods (thermal desorption, solvent washing, or chemical treatment) determine whether the sorbent can be reused. Limitations include saturation, fouling, moisture sensitivity, and energy requirements for regeneration. Overall, sorbent-based approaches provide versatile, modular solutions for contaminant removal and material recovery in a range of settings.