adsorbentbased

Adsorbent‑based processes refer to the use of solid materials that capture and retain substances from gases or liquids through the physical or chemical phenomenon of adsorption. Unlike absorption, where a solute enters the bulk phase of a liquid or solid, adsorption occurs at the surface of the adsorbent, creating a thin film of retained molecules. Common adsorbents include activated carbon, zeolites, silica gel, metal‑organic frameworks, and polymeric resins, each offering distinct pore structures, surface areas, and affinities for specific compounds.

Applications of adsorbent‑based technologies span environmental remediation, industrial gas separation, water treatment, and catalysis support. In air purification, activated carbon filters trap volatile organic compounds, odors, and toxic gases. Zeolite sieves are employed for nitrogen–oxygen separation and for drying gases, while metal‑organic frameworks have emerged for carbon dioxide capture due to their tunable pore chemistry. In water treatment, granular activated carbon columns remove organic contaminants, pesticides, and taste‑off‑flavors. Adsorbent‑based chromatography utilizes functionalized silica or polymer beads to separate chemical mixtures in analytical and preparative contexts.

Performance of an adsorbent is evaluated by parameters such as surface area (typically measured by BET analysis), pore size distribution, adsorption capacity, selectivity, and regeneration ability. Regeneration—through thermal desorption, pressure swing, or chemical washing—restores capacity and determines the economic viability of the process. Ongoing research focuses on developing high‑performance adsorbents with enhanced selectivity, lower regeneration energy, and sustainability through renewable precursors or recyclable structures.