Book excerpt: This first book to offer a practical overview of zeolites and their commercial applications provides a practical examination of zeolites in three capacities. Edited by a globally recognized and acclaimed leader in the field with contributions from major industry experts, this handbook and ready reference introduces such novel separators as zeolite membranes and mixed matrix membranes. The first part of the book discusses the history and chemistry of zeolites, while the second section focuses on separation processes. The third and final section treats zeolites in the field of catalysis. The three sections are unified by an examination of how the unique properties of zeolites allow them to function in different capacities as an adsorbent, a membrane and as a catalyst, while also discussing their impact within the industry.