molekyylisirto

Molekyylisirto, often translated as molecular sieve, is a material containing a large number of tiny, uniform pores. These pores are of molecular dimensions, hence the name. The structure of a molecular sieve allows it to selectively adsorb molecules of a certain size while excluding larger ones. This sieving effect is based on the size and shape of the molecules interacting with the pores.

The most common type of molecular sieve is zeolite. Zeolites are crystalline aluminosilicates with a framework structure that creates a network of interconnected cavities and channels. The size of these channels is precisely controlled and can vary depending on the specific zeolite type. Other materials like activated carbons, silica gels, and certain metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can also exhibit molecular sieving properties.

Molecular sieves are widely used in various industrial applications. Their primary function is separation and purification. They are employed in drying gases and liquids by adsorbing water molecules. In the petrochemical industry, they are used to separate hydrocarbon mixtures based on molecular size, such as in the production of high-purity oxygen and nitrogen from air. They also play a role in catalysis, where their porous structure can act as a support for catalytic agents or influence reaction selectivity by controlling which molecules can reach the active sites. The ability to precisely control pore size makes molecular sieves highly valuable in many chemical processes.