Editing Desorption (section)

{{Short description|Release of an atoms or molecules from a surface}}

'''Desorption''' is the physical process where [[Adsorption|adsorbed]] atoms or molecules are released from a surface into the surrounding vacuum or fluid. This occurs when a molecule gains enough energy to overcome the [[activation barrier]] and the [[binding energy]] that keep it attached to the surface.<ref name="Hussla"/> 

Desorption is the reverse of the process of [[adsorption]], which differs from absorption in that adsorption refers to substances bound to the surface, rather than being [[absorption (chemistry)|absorbed]] into the bulk.  

Desorption can occur from any of several processes, or a combination of them: it may result from heat ([[thermal energy]]); incident light such as infrared, visible, or ultraviolet photons; or an incident beam of energetic particles such as electrons. It may also occur following chemical reactions such as oxidation or reduction in an [[electrochemical cell]] or after a [[chemical reaction]] of a adsorbed compounds in which the surface may act as a catalyst.