Adsorption is the process of a substance becoming stuck to the surface of another substance.
Adsorption occurs on a surface, in contrast to absorption in which the substance goes into the bulk of the other phase.
Adsorption helps create all of these products, and more!
Water filters
Household water filters are often made of granular activated carbon, which can adsorb various contaminants, such as lead, mercury, pesticides, or certain pharmaceuticals.
Desiccant packets
Silica desiccant packets in dry goods and shoes prevent water accumulation by adsorption, as water could harm the product.
Vaccines
Adsorption chromatography is useful in development of vaccines, improving yield and purity.
Cleaning oil spills
Polymeric adsorbents are used to clean oil spills
Gas masks
Gas masks can prevent inhalation of hazardous gas with filter cartridges filled with active carbon with high surface area.
Oxygen concentrators
Zeolites are used to develop oxygen concentrators for medical uses.