The study of physical adsorption has enormous economic and technical value, while continuing to present significant scientific challenges. During the last few years three significant trends have become manifest: significant theoretical advances; instrumental developments allowing detailed characterization of materials, including microporous solids; and the realization that closer coupling of scientific and technological lines of enquiry can lead to both greater scientific understanding and better technology. Topics covered include: the dramatic progress in theoretical analysis; breakthroughs in experimentation; the unique aspects of transport in micropores; and the application of physical adsorption in industrial processes. Audience: Specialized workers will find the updated material invaluable. University lecturers may use material in the book for introductory or graduate courses. The extensive literature references point to further detailed studies.

Historically, technological developments that have made use of the acidity/basicity of solids have often preceded an understanding of the phenomena involved. This, of course, is very expensive, and a far less efficient process than research based on a fundamental understanding of the science. For the last 50 years, therefore, a vast amount of research has been devoted to the subject: the rewards, in terms of technological advantage, were seen to be high. In the last few years, however, significant advances in the field have been achieved, in terms of our theoretical understanding, in instrumentation that allows research to be conducted "in situ" and under conditions appropriate to industrial processes, and in the realization that a closer coupling between science and technology can improve our quest. It is against such a background that "Acidity and Basicity of Solids" presents work in the field. This text should be suitable for specialized workers in the field and university teachers of introductory as well as graduate courses. The more general reader may find the reviews interesting.