What do you understend by activation of adsorbent? How is it achieved ?

Answer

Method to increase the adsorbing power of adsorbent is called activation of adsorbent. It can be achieved by following methods:
(i) Metallic adsorbents are activated by rubbing the surface.
(ii) Activity of adsorbents can be increased by taking it in powered state because in a powered state the surface area is maximum.
(iii) Adsorbing power of adsorbents can be increased by heating with superheated steam. For example, the charcoal is activated by heating between `650 K` to `1330 K` is vacuum, air or superheated steam.