South Korean scientists develop promising zeolite compound

A team of scientists from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) under the direction of Ryoo Ryong said they have developed an efficient nanoporous industrial catalyst, a solid zeolite compound, that is likely to have an impact on the chemical and oil refining sectors. Zeolite made from silica and aluminum is used in the chemical industry. The new zeolite reportedly can be used as a catalyst where existing zeolites cannot. According to industry experts, the new zeolite is a major discovery as companies like Exxon Mobil have been trying to build zeolite with a variety of sizes of pores for a long time. (July 15, 2011)