Sorbents are materials used to absorb liquids or gases from a surface or environment. There are several synonyms for sorbents, including absorbents, desiccants, adsorbents, and sponges. Absorbents refer to materials that ingest liquids, while desiccants are materials that remove moisture from an environment. Adsorbents are materials that attach to the surface of molecules and ions, while sponges are materials that absorb liquids physically. Other synonyms for sorbents include dehumidifiers, filters, and absorbent pads. Regardless of the term used, sorbents are essential materials used in a variety of applications, such as spill cleanups, air purification, and water treatment.