TITLE A Method of the Synthesis of a Novel Layered Silicate with Three-Dimensionally Microporous Layers PRIMARY INVENTORS Michael Tsapatsis DESCRIPTION The material is a three-dimensionally microporous layered silicate, and is obtained in a highly crystalline form, which remains crystalline up to 723 K with little lattice contraction. There are channels in the silicate layers, including pores perpendicular to the layers, the layers being bonded by cations.  The structure may be altered by substituting alternative ions.  Layers may be delaminated to produce single porous silicate layers.  In another aspect, the material can include a polymer to produce a composite material.  APPLICATIONS Layered silicates may be used in applications such as catalysis, adsorption, ion-exchange and separation; in nanocomposites with polymers as active filters like conventional layered silicates or clays. The 3-D porosity enables its use for membrane applications, such as gas separation applications: oxygen generation/enrichment from air streams, natural gas purification, and carbon dioxide recovery. ADVANTAGES This layered silicate is the first with three-dimensional channels.  It has a unique topology, it posses thermal stability up to 500 degrees C, which is important for high temperature catalysis applications. PATENT STATUS US Patents issued 6,863,983 and 7,087,288 LICENSING STATUS Available for Licensing DOCKET UMA 02-26 NOTES FOR MORE INFORMATION Commercial Ventures and Intellectual Property Phone: 413-545-3606  FAX: 413-545-3632  E-Mail: cvip@research.umass.edu