Molecular sieves can be broadly classified into several types based on their pore size and material composition:
Zeolites: These are aluminosilicate minerals with a three-dimensional porous structure. They are widely used in petrochemical industries for cracking and isomerization reactions. Activated Carbon: Known for its high surface area and adsorption capacity, activated carbon is commonly used in gas purification and liquid-phase applications. Silica Gel: This is a granular, porous form of silicon dioxide and is often used as a desiccant to remove moisture. Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs): These are crystalline materials composed of metal ions and organic linkers, offering extremely high surface areas and tunable pore sizes.