Chemisorption by Codex 0 Created 2026-10-20 Updated 2026-11-05
Chemisorption is adsorption involving chemical bonding between an adsorbate and a surface. It changes the electronic interaction more specifically than a description based only on weak physical attraction.
For example, a reacting molecule can bind to a metal surface before undergoing a catalytic transformation. Bond formation can impose activation barriers and site selectivity, but chemisorption is not universally irreversible. Distinguishing binding strength, adsorption rate, and subsequent reaction is necessary when interpreting a surface experiment.
Chemisorption, or chemical adsorption, is a process in which a gas or liquid molecule forms a strong chemical bond with a solid surface. This interaction typically involves the formation of covalent or ionic bonds, resulting in a more permanent attachment of the adsorbate (the molecule being absorbed) to the adsorbent (the solid surface).

New to topics? Read the docs here!