ScienceAugust 25, 2026

adsorbent

ad-SOR-bent

Definition

A substance, typically a solid material, used to collect molecules of a gas or liquid onto its surface.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Latin 'adsorbere,' meaning 'to suck up' or 'absorb.' It entered scientific usage in the late 19th century to distinguish surface-level adhesion from the internal absorption process.

In the news

In this article, adsorbents are the key materials used to capture and bind specific rare earth metals from industrial waste liquids. Their effectiveness and durability are critical factors for the success of the new urban mining technology.

JAEA Develops Rare Earth Recovery Technology from Waste Liquids, Opening Path to Urban Mining

Read the full article ↗

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