Nanocrystalline metal oxides as unique chemical reagents/sorbents

A new family of porous inorganic solids based on nanocrystalline metal oxid es: is discussed. These materials, made up of 4-7 nm MgO, CaO, Al2O3, ZnO, and others, exhibit unparalleled destructive adsorption properties iol acid gases, polar organics, and even chemical/biological warfare agents. These unique sorption properties are due to nanocrystal shape, polar surfaces, an d high surface areas. Free-flowing powders or consolidated pellets are effe ctive, and pore structure can be controlled by consolidation pressures. Che mical properties can be adjusted by choice of metal oxide as well as by inc orporating other oxides as monolayer films.