What is chemisorption?

Chemisorption is a process in which chemical species are adsorbed onto a solid surface by forming chemical bonds. This is in contrast to physisorption, where the adsorbate interacts with the surface only through weak van der Waals forces.

Chemisorption typically involves the formation of covalent or ionic bonds between the adsorbate and the surface. This leads to a strong and stable attachment of the adsorbate on the surface, making chemisorption more permanent compared to physisorption.

Chemisorption is widely utilized in various industrial applications such as catalysis, gas sensing, and surface modification. It plays a crucial role in processes such as heterogeneous catalysis, where the adsorption of reactant molecules on the catalyst surface is a key step in the reaction mechanism.

The rate and extent of chemisorption are influenced by factors such as the nature of the adsorbate and surface, the temperature, pressure, and the presence of other species in the system. Understanding these factors is essential for optimizing the performance of chemisorption processes in different applications.