Definition: The word "adsorbents" comes from the Hebrew term "adon," which means "to bind, adhere, or attach." It refers to substances that can hold and retain water molecules, often in solution form. In its broader sense, an "adsorbent" is any material that allows water molecules to bind to it. Some examples include metals like silver, gold, and bronze; glass, plastic, and paper; and some organic materials like cellulose or cellulose acetate. The term has several uses in chemistry. In the context of adsorption, adjectives are commonly used to describe how a substance interacts with water molecules, often describing its ability to bind and hold water at a certain temperature or pressure, as in the case of metals. Here is an example of when "adsorbents" would be used: - The industrial process of separating crude oil from natural gas requires adsorption of carbon dioxide to remove it from the gas. This is because carbon dioxide has high enthalpy of dissolution and can dissolve water molecules into carbon dioxide in solution, forming a substance that is easily removed through pressure changes. In summary, "adsorbents" are materials that hold onto or bind water molecules at specific temperatures or pressures, enabling water to be efficiently separated from other substances.

adsorbents