Adsorption of phenol from aqueous solutions on solids varying in surface energy was studied using polymers as adsorbents. The amount of phenol adsorbed on silica, carbon, Nylon, polyethylene, and Teflon was measured over a wide range of concentrations. The temperature dependence of an adsorption was established in the case of carbon. Surface area measurements, infrared spectra, and contact angle measurements were used to better define the factors affecting phenol adsorption. The surface areas of Cab-O-Sil, Graphon, Aviamide, Alathon, Microthene, and Teflon were 223, 87, 1.5, 0.10, 0.35, and 8.5 sq m/gm, respectively, measured by either low temperature nitrogen or krypton adsorption. The critical surface tensions of Microthene, Alathon, and Teflon were 35, 31.5, and 28 dynes/cm, respectively. The value for Teflon was anomalously high. The multiple internal reflection infrared spectrum of Microthene showed more adsorption bands than Alathon. No significant temperature dependence was noted in the adsorption of phenol on carbon. The amount of phenol absorbed per unit area by the solid increases as the surface energy of the solid decreases. (WRSIC abstract)