Adsorbent

Description

A substance that has the ability to selectively adhere molecules to its surface. Adsorbents are used to remove pollutants, odors, tastes, colors and moisture from gases and liquids. Common adsorbents are activated carbon, activated alumina, clays, zeolites, and silica gel. Sometimes a general name of 'sorbent' is used for both absorbent and adsorbent materials.

See also absorbent.

Synonyms and Related Terms

adsorbents; adsorbate; sorbent; getter; molecular sieve; zeolite

Authority

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• Random House, Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, Grammercy Book, New York, 1997

• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971

• Matte Paint: Its history and technology, analysis, properties and conservation treatment, Eric Hansen, Sue Walston, Mitchell Bishop (ed.), J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, Vol. 30 of AATA, 1993