How to Dry Molecular Sieves

Molecular Sieve

Chemists routinely use molecular sieve to dry — that is, remove water from — liquids and gases. A molecular sieve is a microporous material that comprises an open, three-dimensional network of aluminum, silicon and oxygen atoms. The porous structure of molecular sieves allows them to adsorb water molecules and exclude larger molecules.

Using an oven to heat molecular sieves to temperatures above 482 degrees Fahrenheit reverses this process. Drying molecular sieves in this manner allows you to reuse them numerous times before replacement.

Instructions

1 Place the molecular sieves in a 12-by-12-inch or larger aluminum baking pan. Spread them into a thin layer of a uniform thickness.

2 Place the baking pan in an oven, preferably toward the center.

3 Heat the molecular sieves in the oven at 482 degrees Fahrenheit (250 degrees Celsius) for at least two hours.

4 Transfer the molecular sieves to a desiccator and allow them to cool slowly.

5 Once the molecular sieves have cooled to near room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container for storage.

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