Lexikon

adsorbent is an adsorptive material, which is able to adsorb other materials on its specific surface.Adsorption is a consequence of surface energy. Atoms on the surface of the adsorbent are not wholly surrounded by other adsorbent atoms and therefore can attract adsorbates. The exact nature of the bonding depends on the details of the species involved, but the adsorption process is generally classified as physical adsorption by weak van der Waals forces, or chemical adsorption by ionic or covalent bonding.

Most weel known adsorbents are activated carbon, activated zeolites, bentonites, aluminium-oxides, magnesium-oxides, silica gels, ceramics, polimers, nanoadsorbers. After use most of the adsorbents can be regenerated and reuse.