Difference Between Adsorbent and Absorbent Adsorbent and Absorbent, the words look and sound similar and are sometimes even used in place of one another. However, adsorbent and absorbent refer to two different types of physical and chemical processes.
Difference Between Adsorbent and Absorbent What is Adsorption? What is Absorption? What are the Main Differences Between Adsorbents and Absorbents? [5 Key Differences] What is Adsorption? Adsorption is a process by which a liquid, gas or dissolved solid adheres itself to the surface of an adsorbent material. Adsorption does not actually involve taking in, or absorbing, the liquid, gas or dissolved solid into the material. One of the most common examples of an adsorbent is silica gel. Silica gel is an adsorbent which is often used to protect certain items from moisture damage. Medications, food, or other potentially delicate items, which need to be protected from moisture damage are often packaged with silica gel.
What is Absorption? Absorption refers to a process by which a liquid or gas is taking into an absorbent material and absorbed, or dissolved, uniformly inside of it. Absorption, unlike adsorption, actually involves taking in the liquid or gas. The most common type of absorbents includes household items like bathroom towels, paper napkins and paper towels, and other fabrics.
What are the Main Differences Between Adsorbents and Absorbents?  
Absorbents absorb some amount of liquid or gas into it. Adsorbent is a process by which some liquid or gas gets accumulated on the surface of a solid material. Absorbents are related to volume, Adsorbent is related to surface.