The process in which atomic or molecular species leave the surface of a solid and escape into the surroundings; the reverse of absorption or adsorption
Desorption is the reverse of adsorption, to be released from or repelled from the surface of a material This occurs on activated carbon when a molecule of heavier molecular weight than what is adsorbed on the carbon comes in contact with the carbon It will desorb or off-gas the lighter molecule and adsorb the heavier one Desorption can be caused by high temperature, high humidity or scalping Activated carbon often desorbs after it becomes saturated
Opposite of absorption or adsorption In filtration, it relates to the downstream release of particles previously retained by the filter