Desorb

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Desorb refers to the process by which a substance is released from or through a surface. This term is commonly used in chemistry and physics to describe the removal of an adsorbate from a surface on which it is adsorbed. Desorption is the reverse of adsorption, which is the process by which atoms, ions, or molecules from a gas, liquid, or dissolved solid adhere to a surface.

Mechanism[edit | edit source]

Desorption can occur through various mechanisms, including:

  • Thermal desorption: where increased temperature provides the energy needed for the adsorbate to overcome the binding energy and leave the surface.
  • Pressure desorption: where a decrease in pressure reduces the concentration of the adsorbate in the surrounding phase, leading to desorption.
  • Chemical desorption: where a chemical reaction changes the adsorbate into a form that is less strongly bound to the surface.

Applications[edit | edit source]

Desorption is a critical process in many industrial and scientific applications, including:

  • Chromatography: where desorption is used to separate different components of a mixture.
  • Catalysis: where desorption of reaction products from the catalyst surface is necessary for the catalyst to be reused.
  • Environmental science: where desorption processes are studied to understand the release of pollutants from soils and sediments.

Factors Affecting Desorption[edit | edit source]

Several factors can influence the rate and extent of desorption, including:

Related Concepts[edit | edit source]

See Also[edit | edit source]

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