kemosorption

Kemosorption, also known as chemisorption, is a process where a chemical bond is formed between the surface of a solid material and the adsorbate. This distinguishes it from physisorption, which involves weaker van der Waals forces. In kemosorption, the adsorbate molecules or atoms break up into their constituent atoms, which then form covalent or ionic bonds with the surface atoms of the adsorbent. This chemical interaction typically leads to a stronger binding energy compared to physisorption.

The process of kemosorption is often irreversible or requires a significant amount of energy to reverse. It is highly dependent on the nature of both the adsorbent surface and the adsorbate, as well as the temperature and pressure of the system. Kemosorption plays a crucial role in various scientific and industrial applications, including catalysis, where active sites on a catalyst surface bind reactant molecules, facilitating chemical reactions. It is also fundamental to gas adsorption on surfaces, surface analysis techniques, and the functioning of sensors. The activation energy required for kemosorption is generally higher than that for physisorption, meaning it often occurs at higher temperatures. The formation of new chemical species on the surface is a hallmark of this phenomenon.