adszorbeáció

Adszorpció is a physical or chemical process where atoms, ions, or molecules from a substance in a gas, liquid, or dissolved solid adhere to a surface. This is different from absorption, where a fluid permeates or is dissolved by a liquid or solid. The adhering substance is called the adsorbate, and the surface on which it adheres is the adsorbent. Adsorption is a surface phenomenon, meaning it occurs at the interface between phases.

There are two main types of adsorption: physisorption and chemisorption. Physisorption, or physical adsorption, involves weak van der Waals forces between the adsorbate and adsorbent. It is a reversible process, and the adsorbate can be easily removed by lowering the pressure or increasing the temperature. Chemisorption, or chemical adsorption, involves the formation of chemical bonds between the adsorbate and adsorbent. This process is typically irreversible or requires significant energy to reverse.

Adsorption has numerous applications. It is used in gas purification, such as in activated carbon filters for air and water treatment. It plays a role in catalysis, where reactants adsorb onto a catalyst surface, facilitating chemical reactions. In chromatography, adsorption is the basis for separating components of a mixture. It is also utilized in dehumidification, where porous materials adsorb moisture from the air. The capacity of an adsorbent for a particular adsorbate depends on factors like temperature, pressure, and the chemical nature of both substances.