Loading Dependence of Diffusion in Zeolites: Combined Benefits of Microscopic Measuring Techniques and Theoretical Approaches

1. Introduction Nanoporous materials are widely used as catalysts and adsorbents in applied chemistry and technology. Zeolites, with their well-defined, uniform and molecular-sized pore system, are one of the most important examples of such materials. Molecular transport is of crucial importance for many of their applications. One of the challenging tasks in chemical engineering is the design and optimization of zeolite-based processes by employing computer simulations. Hence, for precise predictions it is essential to have a detailed fundamental understanding of the transport processes. In the present work, molecular transport in two prominent representatives of zeolite structure types was investigated using IR microscopy (IRM) and interference microscopy (IFM). The results were compared with the predictions of theoretical approaches.