Zeolites are widely used as ion-exchange beds in domestic and
commercial water purification, softening, and other applications.
In chemistry, zeolites are used to separate molecules（only
molecules of certain sizes and shapes can pass through), and as
traps for molecules so they can be analyzed.
zeolites are widely used as catalysts in the petrochemical
industry, for instance in fluid catalytic cracking and
hydro-cracking. Zeolites confine molecules in small spaces, which
causes changes in their structure and reactivity.
On-Board Oxygen Generating Systems (OBOGS) use zeolites to remove
nitrogen from compressed air in order to supply oxygen for aircrews
at high altitudes。
Zeolites can be used as solar thermal collectors and for adsorption
refrigeration. In these applications, their high heat of adsorption
and ability to hydrate and dehydrate while maintaining structural
stability is exploited. This hygroscopic property coupled with an
inherent exothermic (heat-producing) reaction when transitioning
from a dehydrated to a hydrated form make natural zeolites useful
in harvesting waste heat and solar heat energy.
