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