The porous structure of molecular sieves, combined with their chemical composition, makes them uniquely suitable for use as catalysts or catalytic supports, and as such the materials find use in a range of chemical reactions such as acid catalysis, oxidation and reduction reactions, and as components of formulated products. The shape selectivity of the materials further enhances their chemical usefulness, and exploitation of their unique absorption properties holds the key to further improving their catalytic properties. To that end, efforts are being made to find new or different molecular sieves, with altered or tailored structures or chemical composition. In a thorough overhaul of the first edition of this book, the author guides the reader in the basics of sieve structure, synthesis and characterization, and points the way to the development of improved sieve materials. Covering both the principles and practical aspects of sieve synthesis and characterization, this book serves as a guide to the state of mid-to-late-1990s understanding of the subject. It should be of interest to professional chemists, particularly those involved in industrial research and development.
