Absorption vs. Adsorption: 10 Differences, Examples

Key differences (Absorption vs Adsorption)

May 16, 2024 | by Bloom Code Studio

Basis for comparison	Absorption	Adsorption
Definition	Absorption is the process of taking or assimilating substances into a surface like a cell or across the tissues by the process of diffusion or osmosis.	Adsorption is the process of adhesion of molecules of liquid or gases onto the surface of a solid particle.
Phenomenon	Absorption is a bulk phenomenon where molecules of absorbate enter into the absorbent.	Adsorption is a surface phenomenon where the molecules simply attach to the surface of the adsorbent.
Principle	Substances get absorbed into an absorbent due to the availability of space and the nature of the particle.	Substances get adsorbed onto the surface of an adsorbent because the adsorbent has vacant spaces that stimulate the adhesion of particles onto the spaces.
Heat exchange	Absorption is an endothermic process as the energy is given from the outside of the surface, and the overall energy of the absorbent increases after absorption.	Adsorption is an exothermic process as the energy of the surface decreases as it leads to a reduction in residual forces of the surface.
Rate	Absorption takes place at a uniform rate.	The rate of adsorption increases steadily until it reaches equilibrium.
Bonding	The absorbed materials remain in the absorbent without having any chemical interactions with the absorbent.	The adsorbed materials remain attached to the adsorbent with either Van der Wall’s forces or covalent bonds.
Temperature	Absorption doesn’t depend on the temperature of the system.	Adsorption is a temperature-dependent phenomenon.
Concentration	The concentration of the absorbate in the absorbent is uniform after absorption.	The adsorbate is more concentrated on the surface than the other parts of the adsorbent.
Separation	Absorbed materials can be separated into different phases based on their chemical interaction with the phases.	Adsorbed materials can be separated by passing new substance through the surface of the adsorbent, which replaces the previously adsorbed material.
Application	Various living and non-living systems utilize absorption. Living systems like unicellular organisms use the absorption phenomenon for the intake of nutrients and water. Non-living systems like refrigerators utilize absorption for cold storage.	Various living and non-living systems also utilize adsorption. Living systems like viruses use the phenomenon of adsorption for attachment to the bacteria or other organisms. Separation processes like adsorption chromatography use the principle of adsorption for the separation of mixtures.

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