What is "molecular sieve"

n. (context chemistry English) a material, usually a zeolite silicate mineral, having pores of a precise and uniform size, that can be used to separate molecules of different shape and size

A molecular sieve is a material with pores (very small holes) of uniform size. These pore diameters are of the dimensions of small molecules, thus large molecules cannot be absorbed, while smaller molecules can. Many molecular sieves are used as desiccants. Some examples include activated charcoal and silica gel.

The diameter of a molecular sieve is measured in ångströms (Å) or nanometres (nm). According to IUPAC notation, microporous materials have pore diameters of less than 2 nm (20 Å) and macroporous materials have pore diameters of greater than 50 nm (500 Å); the mesoporous category thus lies in the middle with pore diameters between 2 and 50 nm (20–500 Å).