These materials are a specialized type of adsorbent with a highly porous structure and a precisely controlled pore size distribution, typically at the sub-nanometer level. This intricate network of pores allows them to separate gas molecules based on their size and shape, acting as a highly selective molecular filter. For example, they can efficiently separate oxygen from nitrogen in air separation processes.
The unique characteristics of these adsorbents offer significant advantages in various industrial applications, including air separation for medical oxygen production and industrial processes, natural gas purification, and hydrogen production. Their ability to perform efficient separations at ambient temperatures contributes to lower energy consumption compared to traditional separation methods like cryogenic distillation. Historically, their development stemmed from the need for more energy-efficient and cost-effective gas separation technologies.
