Question

Is adsorption a technique to separate mixtures?

Answer 1

Yes, adsorption is a technique to separate mixtures.

Here are some examples.

• Chromatography — components that are less strongly adsorbed on the stationary phase move faster than more strongly adsorbed components.

• Activated charcoal is an excellent adsorbent for many substances:
  o It adsorbs chlorine gas from the air (think of gas masks in World War I).
  o It is a "universal antidote" for poisoning.
  o In water purifiers it removes chlorine, chlorites, organic compounds, and ions of lead, copper, and mercury.
  o It is used to remove impurities when organic compounds are purified by recrystallization.
• Silica gel adsorbs water vapour in the air.