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Glite Dictionary
chemisorption

chemisorption

9.9
An attachment of a substance to a surface by a strong chemical bond that is hard to reverse
  • noun
  • /ˌkɛmɪˈsɔrpʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : quimisorción
  • The chemisorption of hydrogen on platinum is essential in many catalytic reactions.

Examples

  • In chemisorption, molecules form strong chemical bonds.

  • Researchers studied the chemisorption of sulfur dioxide on metal oxide surfaces.

  • Because chemisorption involves stronger bonding, it is often irreversible compared to physisorption.

  • The process of chemisorption is crucial in catalysis.

  • The chemisorption of gases onto the surface of solid catalysts is a key factor in improving reaction rates.

  • During the experiment, the scientists measured the chemisorption of nitrogen on various metal surfaces.

  • Understanding the chemisorption process helps in developing more efficient chemical sensors.

Synonyms

adsorption
vschemisorption
  • Specialized
1 8.9

Tiny particles from a gas or liquid stick to a surface and form a thin layer

forms chemical bonds to the surface and is usually not easily reversed
surface assimilation
vschemisorption
  • Specialized
7.9

Small amounts of gas or liquid stick to a solid surface and form a thin layer

forms chemical bonds at the surface and is usually not easily reversed
sorption
vschemisorption
  • Specialized
9.3

A process where a material takes in or holds another substance

is the specific surface bonding process rather than general uptake

How Strong

chemisorption
  • Specialized
9.9
adsorption
  • Specialized
1 8.9

Surface Forms

chemisorption singular
chemisorptions plural

Morphology

chemisorption = chemical + sorption (semi-transparent) = chemi + sorption

While the components 'chemical' and 'sorption' are clear, the specific meaning of forming chemical bonds is specialized and not immediately obvious.

Etymology

Chemisorption joins chemi- as in chemical or chemistry and sorption like 'absorb' or 'adsorb', with 'sorption' meaning 'take up' or 'stick to'. So, chemisorption is when a substance 'sticks' to a surface by forming 'chemical bonds', and this sticking is often hard to reverse.