Synthetic zeolite / Molecular sieve

Zeolites are natural, microporous minerals, commonly used as catalysts and absorbance material due to their high cation exchange capacity (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+). Zeolites can be also synthesized chemically in large scale. This allows the modification of the chemical characteristics and enlarges the scope of application. To date more than 200 different derivatives of Zeolites are known. The synthetic manufacturing procedure is performed by slow crystallization of a silica-alumina solution accompanied by alkalis and organic scaffolds (hydrothermal method). Responsible for the extreme high adsorption capacity are the created pores after thermal dehydration, normally referred to as molecular sieve effect. The regular diameter pattern of these pores can feature 3 to 10 Å. This makes them applicable for biochemistry and biological application using the so called size-exclusion effect of the different compound. Like aforementioned chemical modifications can be obtained by using metal ions within the production process, causing polar and non-saturable properties. In this case zeolites can be used for wastewater treatment, specific separation of gases fluid, catalytic cracking and hydrocracking in the field of petrochemical industry as well as solar thermal collectors and for the adsorption in refrigeration processes. Union Carbide Corporation introduced the trade name "Molecular Sieves" for synthetic manufactured zeolites. FUJIFILM Wako provides several types of synthetic zeolite for various fields of applications.