What is the difference between adsorption and absorption in chromatography?

  • Adsorption in chromatography involves the attachment of molecules to the surface of a solid stationary phase rather than penetration into its bulk.
  • Absorption refers to the uptake of substances into the internal structure of a material instead of surface binding.
  • Chromatographic separation based on adsorption depends on surface interactions, whereas absorption-based processes rely on bulk solubility.

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