Adsorbing refers to the process of collecting or accumulating molecules, ions, or particles on the surface of a solid or liquid material. In this process, the molecules or particles adhere to the surface of the material, but do not penetrate it. The material that collects the molecules or particles is called the adsorbent, and the molecules or particles themselves are referred to as the adsorbate.
The process of adsorption occurs because of the attractive forces between the adsorbent and the adsorbate. These forces can be physical or chemical in nature. Physical adsorption occurs due to weak van der Waals forces, whereas chemical adsorption occurs due to chemical bonding between the adsorbent and the adsorbate.
Adsorption is a commonly used process in many industries, including the pharmaceutical, chemical, and environmental industries. It is used for a variety of purposes, including purification, separation, and catalysis. For example, activated carbon is commonly used as an adsorbent to purify water by adsorbing impurities and contaminants.