Physisorption

PhysisorptionInternational Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. "physisorption (physical adsorption)". Compendium of Chemical Terminology Internet edition. or physical adsorption is a type of adsorption in which the adsorbate adheres to the surface only through Van der Waals (weak intermolecular) interactions, which are also responsible for the non-ideal behaviour of real gases. It is characterised by:IUPAC on properties of physisorption

• Low ambient temperature, always under the critical temperature of the adsorbate;
• Type of interaction: Intermolecular forces (van der Waals forces);
• Low enthalpy: ΔH < 20 kJ/mol;
• Adsorption takes place in multilayers;
• Low activation energy.
• The energy state of adsorbate is not altered.
• Reversible.

Examples

N₂ on iron at 80 K

See also

• Adsorption
• Chemisorption

Notes and References

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