Term: preferential sorption
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04812

Definition:
An equilibrium phenomenon, operative in polymer solutions in multicomponent solvents and in polymer networks swollen by multicomponent solvents, that produces differences in solvent composition in the polymer-containing region and in the pure solvent which is in thermodynamic equilibrium with that region. Synonymous with selective sorption.

Source: Purple Book, 1st ed., p. 59 (http://old.iupac.org/publications/books/author/metanomski.html)

Citation: 'preferential sorption' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04812

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