sorbent

chemical compound

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

A sorbent is a substance that takes up and holds other substances through either adsorption or absorption. Adsorption is when molecules collect on the surface of a solid, while absorption involves a substance penetrating the interior of a solid or liquid. The term "sorption" can be used when it's unclear whether adsorption or absorption is occurring.123

Sorbents are crucial in various applications, such as gas masks where charcoal adsorbs poisons from the air. Adsorption can be physical, driven by weak forces between the sorbent and the molecules, or chemical, involving specific chemical bonds.3

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oil spill
Oil-spill cleanup
…approach is to use various sorbents (e.g., straw, volcanic ash, and shavings of polyester-derived plastic) that absorb the oil from the water. Where appropriate, chemical surfactants and solvents may be spread over a slick in order to accelerate its natural dispersion into the sea. Onshore removal of oil that has…
Read More
…approach is to use various sorbents (e.g., straw, volcanic ash, and shavings of polyester-derived plastic) that absorb the oil from the water. Where appropriate, chemical surfactants and solvents may be spread over a slick in order to accelerate its natural dispersion into the sea. Onshore removal of oil that has…
Read More