Sorbents: Adsorption versus Absorption

Absorption is the process in which atoms or molecules enter some bulk phase; gas, liquid or solid. Absorption is basically where something takes in another substance.

Adsorption is the accumulation of atoms or molecules on the surface of a material. The process creates a film of the adsorbate (the molecules / atoms being accumulated) on the adsorbent's surface. Adsorbtion is the collection of a substance onto the surface of adsorbent solids.

Adsorption is often confused with Absorption, where the substance being collected or removed actually penetrates into the other substance.


In our field, absorbents are generally along the lines of things that soak up a liquid. A piece of cotton rag will absorb a drop of oil. Adsorbents are found in our poms for example. They attract the oil to cling to their surface. In theory, you could simply wipe the oil off an adsorbent and reuse it.


OK, we realize that's probably more than you wanted to know. It should help your decision process on which sorbent is right for your application. Pacific Environmental Inc. has both Absorbents & Adsorbents. By the case, or by the pallet load our prices are unbeatable. We mean it, compare us to any other supplier and see. If you're currently using shop towels for absorbents, expect a dramatic cost savings switching to out absorbent pads & rolls.


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