Physisorption

Physisorption [GoldBookRef|title=physisorption (physical adsorption)|url=http://goldbook.iupac.org/P04667.html] 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: [ [http://www.iupac.org/reports/2001/colloid_2001/manual_of_s_and_t/node16.html 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

ee also

*Adsorption
*Chemisorption

Notes and References