Geometric and chemical heterogeneities constitute a fundamental feature of solid surfaces in adsorption and catalysis on solids.

To share and broaden our understanding of the phenomena involved we have organized a series of ISSHAC symposia which have served as a forum for an intensive exchange of information on experimental findings and theoretical approaches defining the state of the art and fostering progress in this field.

At the next symposium in Krakow in 2012, we propose the following topics for discussion:

• Preparation of sorbents and catalysts and studies of their structure and surface properties;
• Modeling of the formation of solid surfaces (fundamental theories, computer simulations, etc.);
• Effects of elastic strains on adsorption-desorption processes;
• Experimental studies of adsorption in micropores; Analytical approaches and computer modeling of adsorption in micropores: Recovering micropore size distribution;
• Adsorption in mesopores, and capillary condensation phenomena. Recovering mesopore size distribution;
• Adsorption and catalysis in nanostructures; Experimental studies, analytical approaches and computer simulations;
• Experimental and theoretical studies of gas storage in porous sorbents;
• Wetting of of solid surfaces and wetting hysteresis;
• Adsorption/desorption kinetics and surface diffusion in sorption by porous sorbents;
• Adsorption at solid/liquid interfaces, including simple and complex ion adsorption;
• Adsorption systems applied in environmental protection;
• Relations between adsorptive and catalytic features of solid surfaces;