ABSTRACT
Compared to other crystalline inorganic oxides, zeolites represent a special class of materials. Their crystalline, microporous nature with well-defined pore dimensions in combination with high thermal stability, ion exchange and sorption capacity, as well as the ability to generate acidity has made them unique materials for practical applications. In recent decades, zeolites have gained tremendous importance both from an academic and an economic point of view. On the one hand, it is the versatility of zeolites that makes them such outstanding materials. They are well suited for a broad range of applications such as use as drying agents, use in gas separation processes, use as detergent additives and as catalysts (see section C2.12.7). On the other hand, the variety of structure types, the broad range of chemical modifications of the zeolite matrix, and the derived physico-chemical properties all carry a distinct fascination for the scientist which is much reflected in the ever growing number of zeolite-related publications and people involved in zeolite research [1].
