A sorbent is a material used to absorb or adsorb liquids or gases. Examples include:
A material similar to molecular sieve material, which acts by adsorption (attracting molecules to its surface). It has a large internal surface area and good thermal conductivity. It is typically supplied in pellets of 1 mm to 2 mm diameter and roughly 5 mm length or as grains of the order 1 mm. Occasionally as beads up to 5 mm diameter. They are typically made from aluminium oxide with a porous structure.Materials used to absorb other materials due to their high affinity for doing so. Examples include:In composting, dry (brown, high-carbon) materials absorb many odoriferous chemicals, and these chemicals help to decompose these sorbents.A sponge absorbs many times its own weight in water.A polypropylene fiber mat may be used to absorb oil.A cellulose fiber product may be used to absorb oil.The granular gel material in a baby diaper will absorb several times its original weight in urine.Polymethylsiloxane polyhydrate (PMSPH) is a gelly-like polymeric organosilicon compound. PMSPG is an sorbent designed for binding toxic substances of different nature, pathogens and metabolites in the gastrointestinal tract and their excretion.Desiccants absorb water, drying out (desiccating) the surrounding materials.
