ClimateAugust 6, 2026

sorption

SORP-shun

Definition

A chemical or physical process in which one substance, typically a gas or liquid, is taken up and held by another substance, such as a solid material.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'sorbere' (to suck in or absorb), the term was coined in the early 20th century to encompass both absorption and adsorption processes.

In the news

In the article, the term is used to describe methods of water collection, such as 'passive' and 'active' sorption, where a solid material is used to capture water vapor from the atmosphere.

Water From Thin Air: Inside WAHA and a Bid to Redefine Atmospheric Water Generators

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