sorber

A sorber is a term that can refer to several things, primarily related to absorption processes or individuals involved in them. In the context of chemistry and materials science, a sorber is a substance or material designed to absorb or adsorb other substances. This absorption can be physical, where molecules are held on the surface of the sorber, or chemical, where a reaction occurs. Examples include activated carbon used in filters to remove impurities from air or water, or zeolites used for drying gases. The effectiveness of a sorber is often measured by its capacity, which is the amount of substance it can hold, and its selectivity, its ability to preferentially absorb certain substances over others.

The term "sorber" can also be used more broadly to describe any system or device that facilitates the process of sorption. This might include industrial equipment for gas separation or purification, or even natural materials like soil that absorb water and nutrients. The study of sorbers and their applications is crucial in fields such as environmental remediation, chemical engineering, and drug delivery, where controlled absorption and release of substances are essential. The choice of sorber depends heavily on the specific application and the properties of the substance to be absorbed.