Adsorbates

Adsorbates are molecules or atoms that attach themselves to the surface of a material, called the adsorbent, without becoming part of the material's structure. This process, called adsorption, occurs because of attractive forces between the adsorbate and the surface. Adsorbates can be gases, liquids, or dissolved substances, and their attachment influences various processes like catalysis, filtration, and environmental cleanup. Essentially, adsorbates are substances that stick temporarily to a surface, affecting how materials interact in natural and industrial systems.