silica gel is actually a dry solid that absorbs and holds water vapor. Silica Gel is typically found in “bead” form with the beads being contained by a porous packet material allows the beads to freely absorb moisture in the air.

Application

Silica particles used in chromatography have a high surface area, a requirement for good analytical retention. ... They are available for analytical columns and high-, middle- and low-pressure preparative applications.