Surface Chemistry Vocabulary

noun the process by which a gas, liquid, or solute accumulates on the surface of a solid or liquid material

• The process of adsorption involves the adhesion of molecules onto the surface of a solid or liquid.
• Adsorption is like when stuff sticks to other stuff, like magnets but with molecules.
• Adsorption is like when molecules get clingy with a surface.
• The concept of adsorption can be compared to how a sponge absorbs water, but on a molecular level.

noun a plural form of 'adlayer', which refers to a layer of material applied on top of another material for various purposes

• The adlayers on the website were strategically placed to maximize user engagement.
• I heard they're adding more adlayers to the app to make more money.
• Ugh, these adlayers are so annoying, they pop up everywhere.
• The adlayers of misinformation in the article made it hard to discern the truth.

noun a substance that is adsorbed onto the surface of another substance

• The adsorbate molecules were found to adhere to the surface of the material.
• The adsorbate stuck to the material's surface.
• The adsorbate latched onto the material.
• Like a magnet, the adsorbate was drawn to the material.

verb to adhere or attract molecules or particles to the surface of a solid or liquid material

• The material adsorbs the gas molecules onto its surface.
• This sponge adsorbs all the excess water in no time.
• That new air freshener really adsorbs all the bad smells in my car.
• She adsorbs all the negativity around her and turns it into positivity.