Step 1: Understand adsorption concept.
Adsorbents are substances that have a high surface area and can hold molecules on their surface due to physical or chemical adsorption.
Step 2: Analyze silica gel.
Silica gel has a porous structure with very high surface area, so it is a strong adsorbent used for moisture adsorption.
Step 3: Analyze alumina and mica.
Alumina is widely used in chromatography and adsorption processes. Mica sheet also has layered structure allowing adsorption on surfaces. Hence both act as adsorbents.
Step 4: Analyze calcium chloride.
CaCl\(_2\) is a hygroscopic substance that absorbs moisture by forming hydrates. This is absorption (bulk process), not surface adsorption. Therefore, it is not an adsorbent.
Step 5: Key distinction.
Adsorption occurs on surface; absorption occurs throughout the bulk. CaCl\(_2\) works via absorption, not adsorption.
Step 6: Final conclusion.
\[
\boxed{\text{Calcium chloride}}
\]