Sorption vs adsorption: The words they are a-changin', not the phenomena

In this discussion, we highlight that the terms sorption and adsorption are often confused and misused in many articles. Even if one thought their formal definition is well known, this does not appear to be the case. We recommend encouragement to adopt the word adsorption only when fully supported by appropriate data and using the sorption terminology when it is more speculative, typically in complex solid/fluid natural systems.

Automated summary

This discussion brings attention to the frequent confusion and misuse of the terms sorption and adsorption in many articles. It is recommended to use the term adsorption only when there is sufficient supporting data, and to use the sorption terminology in more speculative, complex solid/fluid natural systems.