Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Adsorption and Desorption?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Adsorption and Desorption?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

Adsorption and desorption are chemical processes that are opposite to each other. Here are the main differences between the two:

  • Adsorption: This process refers to the 'adhesion' of molecules from a liquid or gas phase onto a surface. In adsorption, a substance accumulates on the surface of another substance, and it is a surface process. Adsorption can be further defined based on the strength of the interaction between the adsorbent (the surface) and the adsorbate (the molecule being adsorbed).
  • Desorption: This is the reverse phenomenon, where adsorbed molecules are removed from a surface. Desorption refers to the release of an adsorbed substance from a surface. There are a few different ways desorption can occur, such as thermal desorption, reductive desorption, oxidative desorption, and electron-stimulated desorption.

Both adsorption and desorption processes play important roles in various fields, including surface science, biomaterials, cell and molecular biology, and pharmaceutical development and production. These processes can occur naturally or be performed for chemical experiments.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Adsorption and Desorption?
  • Comparative Table: Adsorption vs Desorption

    • Comparative Table: Adsorption vs Desorption

    Here is a table comparing adsorption and desorption:

    Feature Adsorption Desorption
    Definition Adsorption is the process by which some solids hold molecules of a gas, liquid, or solute on their surface. Desorption is the release of one substance from another, either from the surface or through the surface.
    Type Adsorption can be classified into two groups: chemisorption and physisorption. Desorption can occur through various methods, such as thermal desorption, reductive desorption, oxidative desorption, and electron-transfer desorption.
    Process Adsorption is a surface phenomenon that occurs on the surface of a substrate. Desorption is the reverse of adsorption, and it occurs when the conditions favor the release of the adsorbate from the adsorbent.
    Application Adsorption is an important process in chromatography columns, where the adsorbent separates molecules based on their adsorption properties. Desorption plays a role in chromatography columns as well, where the adsorbate is released into the mobile phase when the conditions favor desorption.

    In summary, adsorption is the process by which molecules adhere to a surface, while desorption is the process by which these molecules are released from the surface. Both processes are crucial in applications such as chromatography columns, where separation and release of molecules are essential for analysis and purification.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.