Quantum Sieving in Carbon Nanotubes and Zeolites

Fluids adsorbed in microporous materials can exhibit quantum sieving, where heavy isotopes are preferentially adsorbed over light isotopes. We present the first detailed predictions of quantum sieving based on realistic models of microporous materials. Carbon nanotubes, and the interstices of nanotube bundles, can act as highly effective quantum sieves for hydrogen isotopes. Quantum sieving of He and Ne in the zeolite ${\mathrm{AlPO}}_4-22$ is also discussed.