Sorbente

Sorbente refers to a material that can absorb or adsorb a liquid or gas. This process, known as sorption, can be either absorption or adsorption. Absorption occurs when a substance is taken into the bulk of another substance, much like a sponge soaking up water. Adsorption, on the other hand, involves the adhesion of atoms, ions, or molecules from a gas, liquid, or dissolved solid to a surface. The sorbent material provides the surface for this adhesion.

Sorbents are used in a wide variety of applications. In environmental remediation, they are employed to clean up spills of oil or other pollutants. Activated carbon, a common sorbent, is used in water and air filters to remove impurities. In chromatography, sorbents are used as the stationary phase to separate different components of a mixture based on their differing affinities for the sorbent material. Desiccants, such as silica gel, are sorbents that adsorb moisture from the air to prevent spoilage or damage to sensitive materials. The effectiveness of a sorbent depends on its physical and chemical properties, including its surface area, pore size distribution, and chemical composition. The choice of sorbent is crucial for the success of any sorption-based process.