Sorbive

Sorbive is a term used to describe a class of sorption-based purification technologies that rely on adsorption of target molecules onto porous sorbents to remove contaminants from liquids and gases. The Sorbive concept emphasizes regenerability and modular design, enabling repeated adsorption-desorption cycles.

Sorbive materials include activated carbon, functionalized polymers, silica-based adsorbents, zeolites, and emerging materials such as metal-organic frameworks. Designs aim to maximize surface area, tune pore size distribution, and introduce chemical functionalities that improve selectivity for particular contaminants, such as VOCs, heavy metals, or organic dyes.

Typical processes use fixed-bed or batch configurations. In adsorption, contaminants partition onto the sorbent; regeneration involves desorption via heat, solvent washing, or pressure swings, restoring adsorption capacity. System performance depends on factors like mass transfer, temperature, humidity, and contaminant concentration.

Applications include drinking water and wastewater treatment, air and indoor air purification, solvent recovery in chemical manufacturing, gas purification, and pharmaceutical processing. Sorbive systems are valued for their potential energy efficiency and reusability, though material costs and fouling can limit practical deployment.

Development and status: Sorbive represents a generic category rather than a single product. Research and industrial practice continue to explore new sorbent chemistries and regeneration methods to improve capacity, selectivity, and lifecycle economics. End-of-life handling typically involves safe disposal or recycling of spent sorbents.