molekyylisidosten

Molekyylisidosten, often translated as molecular sieves, are materials with a highly porous structure that have pores of uniform size. These pores are on the molecular scale, typically between 3 and 10 angstroms (0.3 and 1.0 nanometers) in diameter. This precise pore size allows them to selectively adsorb molecules based on their size and polarity. Larger molecules are unable to enter the pores and are therefore excluded, while smaller molecules can enter and be adsorbed onto the internal surface of the sieve.

The most common type of molekyylisidosten are zeolites, which are aluminosilicate minerals. Synthetic zeolites are also widely manufactured for various industrial applications. Other materials exhibiting molecular sieve properties include activated carbons and certain metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The adsorption process is reversible, meaning that the adsorbed molecules can be released by changing conditions, such as increasing temperature or decreasing pressure, allowing the material to be regenerated and reused.

Molekyylisidosten are utilized in a wide range of applications, most notably in separation and purification processes. They are extensively used in the petrochemical industry for the separation of gases and liquids, such as the drying of natural gas and the separation of xylene isomers. In the pharmaceutical industry, they are employed for drying sensitive compounds and in drug delivery systems. Their ability to selectively capture specific molecules also makes them valuable in catalysis, acting as supports or active components in chemical reactions. Environmental applications include the removal of pollutants from air and water.