Zeolite's porous lattice structure allows for the adsorption of liquid molecules and creates a "sieve" affect that enables organic or smaller molecules to escape. The mineral has a pH buffering quality between 9 and 10, giving it odor control and chemical neutralizing properties. Zeolite's permeable lattice structure maintains adsorption properties that are beneficial in such products as cat litter. Zeolite also has an ability to absorb gases and is highly resilient to cellular breakdown.
Certain commercial applications use an electrostatic field within the zeolite to increase its adsorption qualities. The electrostatic field creates a polarization that repels or attracts molecules within zeolite's lattice structure, creating a use and cleaning effect that increases the filtration properties of zeolite. Aquaculture farms use zeolite filtration systems to clean and purify water and clean waste. Tests conducted using manufactured zeolite flats indicate that zeolite removes arsenic from water to levels below U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards, thus increasing water safety.
Zeolite flats have a high thermostability, making it a stable agent for temperature-controlled applications and durability. Zeolite's ability to possess high adsorption functionality during high temperature changes makes it an attractive product for temperature sensitive applications and products. Its thermostability makes zeolite a preferred mineral used in refrigeration and air-cooling products to reduce interior humidity for a more effective evaporation cooling process.
Natural and manufactured zeolite have the ability to separate cations from the structure of ion particles. This ionization process is helpful in rendering harmful ions such as ammonium and radiation harmless. Zeolite filtration systems in nuclear power plants work as ion exchangers, removing radioactive cations in air and water. Zeolite has been used in radiation cleanups of Chernobyl and Three Mile Island. Municipal wastewater treatment plants filter ammonium and other harmful particles in water purification systems by using ionization filtration systems made with zeolite filters.