Use of synthetic zeolites and other microporous oxides since
1950 has improved insulated windows, automobile air-conditioning,
refrigerators, air brakes on trucks, laundry detergents, etc. Their
large internal pore volumes, molecular-size pores, regularity of
crystal structures, and the diverse framework chemical compositions
allow “tailoring” of structure and properties. Thus, highly
active and selective catalysts as well as adsorbents and ion exchangers
with high capacities and selectivities were developed. In the petroleum
refining and petrochemical industries, zeolites have made possible
cheaper and lead-free gasoline, higher performance and lower-cost
synthetic fibers and plastics, and many improvements in process
efficiency and quality and in performance. Zeolites also help protect
the environment by improving energy efficiency, reducing automobile
exhaust and other emissions, cleaning up hazardous wastes (including
the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant and other radioactive
wastes), and, as specially tailored desiccants, facilitating the
substitution of new refrigerants for the ozone-depleting
chlorofluorocarbons banned by the Montreal Protocol.