Applications of Adsorption
The process of adsorption finds its application in following areas.
1. Silica and Alumina Gels
These are used as adsorbent for removing moisture and for controlling humidities of room.
2. Activated charcoal
a) It is used in gas masks, which adsorp all underivable (toxic) gases, while purified air passes through its poles.
b) It is also used for removing colouring matter from the sugar solution and the decoloration in vinegar.
3. Fuller’s Earth
It is used in large quantities for refining petroleum and vegetable oil since it adsorbs unwanted materials.
These are used in dying industry, which adsorp the colouring matter without attaching to the fabrics.
5. Froth Flotation process
The sulphide ores are freed from silica and other earthy matter by froth – floatation process. (Oil adsorbs sulphilde ores only, but not others).
6. Ion – exchange resins
Softening of hardwater can be done based on the principle of competing adsorption using ion-exchange resins.
7. Arsenic poisoning
Colloidal ferric hydroxide is administered, which adsorbs arsenic poison and is removed from the 60 day by vomiting.
8. Chromatographic Analysis
Selective adsorption by alumina, magnesia, etc. can be used for separating different pigments and also mixtures of small quantities of organic substances with the help of adsorption chromatography.
9. Measurement of surface area
Surface area of powders and rough surfaces can be measured using adsorption measurements.