Condensed phase where extraction of analytes can occur at the surface and in the bulk.
Notes: - If extraction occurs exclusively at the surface then adsorbent is the preferred term and if exclusively in the bulk then absorbent should be used.
- Sorbent is typically used explicitly to describe a condensed phase where extraction occurs simultaneously by adsorption and absorption (termed sorption), or where the true mechanism has not been established and the use of adsorbent or absorbent would be inappropriate.
Source:
PAC, 2016, 88, 517. 'Glossary of terms used in extraction (IUPAC Recommendations 2016)' on page 521 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2015-0903)