{
  "spore": "profile",
  "id": "zeolite-13x",
  "spore_version": "0.2",
  "family": "oxide-ceramics",
  "name": "Zeolite 13X molecular sieve",
  "abbreviation": "13X",
  "role": "CO2 and water sorbent (residual desiccant)",
  "category": "ceramics",
  "type": "oxides",
  "summary": "Zeolite 13X is a synthetic sodium aluminosilicate with the faujasite (FAU) framework and a nominal 10 Å pore size. The BASF product data sheet for its 13X grade gives beads of 1.6 to 5.0 mm, a compacted bulk density of 655 to 700 g/L and a minimum water adsorption of 26.5 % wt at 55 % relative humidity. NASA reports 13X as the residual desiccant layer of the ISS Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly, but the grade flown there is Grace MS 544 (Grade 544 13X in NASA's paper), not the BASF product.\n",
  "best_for": "Residual drying of gas streams where low dust in a packed bed matters (NASA's stated selection criterion).",
  "weakest_at": "Little numeric data in text: NASA's adsorption and dust results are in plots, and the BASF data sheet gives typical values only. CO2 performance fell after cyclic humid exposure in NASA's tests.",
  "identity": {
    "formula": "Na2O . Al2O3 . m SiO2 . n H2O (m ≤ 2.35)",
    "designations": [
      {
        "system": "Trade name",
        "code": "BASF 13X Molecular Sieve",
        "source": "basf-13x",
        "where": "Title block, first line"
      },
      {
        "system": "Trade name",
        "code": "BASF 13X",
        "source": "nasa-ices2017",
        "where": "Table 2, Molecular Sieve rows, Sorbent Name column"
      }
    ],
    "source": "basf-13x",
    "where": "Product Data Sheet, Chemical Formula row"
  },
  "tags": {
    "environments": [
      "low-earth-orbit"
    ],
    "stresses": [
      "thermal-cycling",
      "dust-abrasion"
    ],
    "applications": [
      "habitats-and-suits",
      "thermal-control"
    ]
  },
  "properties": [
    {
      "benchmark": "pore_size",
      "label": "Pore size, nominal",
      "value": 10,
      "bound": "exact",
      "unit": "Å",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "printed": "10 Å (1.0 nm)",
        "product": "BASF 13X Molecular Sieve, as delivered"
      },
      "method": "Manufacturer typical-properties table",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "basf-13x",
      "where": "Product Data Sheet, Typical Properties table, Pore Size row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "BASF 13X Molecular Sieve, Product Data Sheet (BASF-9391 rev 02/2024)",
        "id": "BASF-9391 rev 02/2024",
        "url": "https://download.basf.com/p1/8a8082048fa5910c018fc44de15565ae/en/13X_Molecular_Sieve_Datasheet_Technical_Data_Sheet_English.pdf",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer data sheet, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "bead_size",
      "label": "Bead size, small grade",
      "value": 1.6,
      "value_high": 2.5,
      "bound": "range",
      "unit": "mm",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "beads 1.6 to 2.5 mm nominal, mesh range 8 x 12 as printed"
      },
      "method": "Manufacturer typical-properties table",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "basf-13x",
      "where": "Typical Properties table, Beads size range row, first column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "BASF 13X Molecular Sieve, Product Data Sheet (BASF-9391 rev 02/2024)",
        "id": "BASF-9391 rev 02/2024",
        "url": "https://download.basf.com/p1/8a8082048fa5910c018fc44de15565ae/en/13X_Molecular_Sieve_Datasheet_Technical_Data_Sheet_English.pdf",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer data sheet, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "bead_size",
      "label": "Bead size, large grade",
      "value": 2.5,
      "value_high": 5,
      "bound": "range",
      "unit": "mm",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "beads 2.5 to 5.0 mm nominal, mesh range 4x8 as printed"
      },
      "method": "Manufacturer typical-properties table",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "basf-13x",
      "where": "Typical Properties table, Beads size range row, second column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "BASF 13X Molecular Sieve, Product Data Sheet (BASF-9391 rev 02/2024)",
        "id": "BASF-9391 rev 02/2024",
        "url": "https://download.basf.com/p1/8a8082048fa5910c018fc44de15565ae/en/13X_Molecular_Sieve_Datasheet_Technical_Data_Sheet_English.pdf",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer data sheet, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "bulk_density",
      "label": "Bulk density, compacted, small grade",
      "value": 655,
      "value_high": 700,
      "bound": "range",
      "unit": "g/L",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "state": "compacted",
        "grade": "beads 1.6 to 2.5 mm"
      },
      "method": "Manufacturer typical-properties table",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "basf-13x",
      "where": "Typical Properties table, Bulk Density, compacted row, first column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "BASF 13X Molecular Sieve, Product Data Sheet (BASF-9391 rev 02/2024)",
        "id": "BASF-9391 rev 02/2024",
        "url": "https://download.basf.com/p1/8a8082048fa5910c018fc44de15565ae/en/13X_Molecular_Sieve_Datasheet_Technical_Data_Sheet_English.pdf",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer data sheet, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "bulk_density",
      "label": "Bulk density, compacted, large grade",
      "value": 655,
      "value_high": 700,
      "bound": "range",
      "unit": "g/L",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "state": "compacted",
        "grade": "beads 2.5 to 5.0 mm"
      },
      "method": "Manufacturer typical-properties table",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "basf-13x",
      "where": "Typical Properties table, Bulk Density, compacted row, second column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "BASF 13X Molecular Sieve, Product Data Sheet (BASF-9391 rev 02/2024)",
        "id": "BASF-9391 rev 02/2024",
        "url": "https://download.basf.com/p1/8a8082048fa5910c018fc44de15565ae/en/13X_Molecular_Sieve_Datasheet_Technical_Data_Sheet_English.pdf",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer data sheet, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "attrition",
      "label": "Attrition, small grade",
      "value": 0.2,
      "bound": "upper",
      "unit": "% wt",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "beads 1.6 to 2.5 mm",
        "test": "not described in the data sheet"
      },
      "method": "Manufacturer typical-properties table, printed as Max 0.2",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "basf-13x",
      "where": "Typical Properties table, Attrition row, first column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "BASF 13X Molecular Sieve, Product Data Sheet (BASF-9391 rev 02/2024)",
        "id": "BASF-9391 rev 02/2024",
        "url": "https://download.basf.com/p1/8a8082048fa5910c018fc44de15565ae/en/13X_Molecular_Sieve_Datasheet_Technical_Data_Sheet_English.pdf",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer data sheet, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "attrition",
      "label": "Attrition, large grade",
      "value": 0.2,
      "bound": "upper",
      "unit": "% wt",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "beads 2.5 to 5.0 mm",
        "test": "not described in the data sheet"
      },
      "method": "Manufacturer typical-properties table, printed as Max 0.2",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "basf-13x",
      "where": "Typical Properties table, Attrition row, second column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "BASF 13X Molecular Sieve, Product Data Sheet (BASF-9391 rev 02/2024)",
        "id": "BASF-9391 rev 02/2024",
        "url": "https://download.basf.com/p1/8a8082048fa5910c018fc44de15565ae/en/13X_Molecular_Sieve_Datasheet_Technical_Data_Sheet_English.pdf",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer data sheet, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "crush_strength",
      "label": "Crush strength, small grade",
      "value": 25,
      "bound": "lower",
      "unit": "N/bead",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "beads 1.6 to 2.5 mm",
        "test": "not described in the data sheet"
      },
      "method": "Manufacturer typical-properties table, printed as Min 25",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "basf-13x",
      "where": "Typical Properties table, Crush Strength row, first column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "BASF 13X Molecular Sieve, Product Data Sheet (BASF-9391 rev 02/2024)",
        "id": "BASF-9391 rev 02/2024",
        "url": "https://download.basf.com/p1/8a8082048fa5910c018fc44de15565ae/en/13X_Molecular_Sieve_Datasheet_Technical_Data_Sheet_English.pdf",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer data sheet, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "crush_strength",
      "label": "Crush strength, large grade",
      "value": 50,
      "bound": "lower",
      "unit": "N/bead",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "grade": "beads 2.5 to 5.0 mm",
        "test": "not described in the data sheet"
      },
      "method": "Manufacturer typical-properties table, printed as Min 50",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "basf-13x",
      "where": "Typical Properties table, Crush Strength row, second column",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "BASF 13X Molecular Sieve, Product Data Sheet (BASF-9391 rev 02/2024)",
        "id": "BASF-9391 rev 02/2024",
        "url": "https://download.basf.com/p1/8a8082048fa5910c018fc44de15565ae/en/13X_Molecular_Sieve_Datasheet_Technical_Data_Sheet_English.pdf",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer data sheet, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "moisture_content_as_delivered",
      "label": "Moisture content as delivered",
      "value": 1,
      "bound": "upper",
      "unit": "% wt",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "state": "as delivered",
        "grade": "both bead sizes, printed as Max 1.0"
      },
      "method": "Manufacturer typical-properties table",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "basf-13x",
      "where": "Typical Properties table, Moisture Content row",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "BASF 13X Molecular Sieve, Product Data Sheet (BASF-9391 rev 02/2024)",
        "id": "BASF-9391 rev 02/2024",
        "url": "https://download.basf.com/p1/8a8082048fa5910c018fc44de15565ae/en/13X_Molecular_Sieve_Datasheet_Technical_Data_Sheet_English.pdf",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer data sheet, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "water_adsorption_capacity",
      "label": "Water adsorption capacity",
      "value": 26.5,
      "bound": "lower",
      "unit": "% wt",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "relative_humidity": "55 %",
        "temperature": "20 °C",
        "sample": "activated, as the data sheet footnote states"
      },
      "method": "Manufacturer typical-properties table, printed as Min 26.5",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "basf-13x",
      "where": "Typical Properties table, Water Adsorption Capacity row, and the footnote marked with an asterisk",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "BASF 13X Molecular Sieve, Product Data Sheet (BASF-9391 rev 02/2024)",
        "id": "BASF-9391 rev 02/2024",
        "url": "https://download.basf.com/p1/8a8082048fa5910c018fc44de15565ae/en/13X_Molecular_Sieve_Datasheet_Technical_Data_Sheet_English.pdf",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer data sheet, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "regeneration_temperature",
      "label": "Regeneration purge gas temperature, recommended range",
      "value": 200,
      "value_high": 300,
      "bound": "range",
      "unit": "°C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "purpose": "warms the bed to this level during regeneration",
        "note": "recommended operating range, not a measured limit"
      },
      "method": "Manufacturer recommendation printed in the regeneration paragraph",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "basf-13x",
      "where": "Regeneration paragraph, page 1",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "BASF 13X Molecular Sieve, Product Data Sheet (BASF-9391 rev 02/2024)",
        "id": "BASF-9391 rev 02/2024",
        "url": "https://download.basf.com/p1/8a8082048fa5910c018fc44de15565ae/en/13X_Molecular_Sieve_Datasheet_Technical_Data_Sheet_English.pdf",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer data sheet, linked not reproduced"
      }
    },
    {
      "benchmark": "max_regeneration_temperature",
      "label": "Regeneration temperature, not to exceed",
      "value": 450,
      "bound": "upper",
      "unit": "°C",
      "scope": "material",
      "conditions": {
        "purpose": "upper limit for the purge gas during regeneration"
      },
      "method": "Manufacturer recommendation printed in the regeneration paragraph, 'not exceeding 450 °C'",
      "status": "ground",
      "source": "basf-13x",
      "where": "Regeneration paragraph, page 1",
      "source_detail": {
        "title": "BASF 13X Molecular Sieve, Product Data Sheet (BASF-9391 rev 02/2024)",
        "id": "BASF-9391 rev 02/2024",
        "url": "https://download.basf.com/p1/8a8082048fa5910c018fc44de15565ae/en/13X_Molecular_Sieve_Datasheet_Technical_Data_Sheet_English.pdf",
        "year": 2024,
        "kind": "datasheet",
        "license": "manufacturer data sheet, linked not reproduced"
      }
    }
  ],
  "corrosion": [
    {
      "environment": "Humid air and water vapour in a cyclic desiccant or CO2 bed",
      "headline": "NASA's cyclic tests show 13X sorbents below their dry capacity, and the paper says 13X recovers most capacity at 204 °C.",
      "effect": "NASA's paper reports that the three 13X zeolites in its screening settled at a reduced performance level in cyclic testing, compared with the dry isotherm values or with a 350 °C activation cycle. In a simulated cycle the paper says \"13X zeolites can recover 90-95% of full CO2 removal capacity from a worst-case water exposure event\" at a regeneration temperature of 204 °C.",
      "rating": "moderate",
      "conditions": {
        "cycling": "simulated 4-BMS cycles with humid air exposure",
        "regeneration": "204 °C for the simulated recovery case, 350 °C for the full activation case"
      },
      "source": "nasa-ices2017",
      "where": "Results, section C (CO2 sorbent selection), text beside Figures 13 to 15, and Conclusions"
    },
    {
      "environment": "Thermal cycling of pelletized zeolite in a packed bed",
      "headline": "NASA lists thermal-expansion mismatch in the pellet as a theorised cause of dusting, and judges the 13X grades to carry the least dusting risk.",
      "effect": "NASA lists differing thermal-expansion coefficients between zeolite crystals and the binder as a theorised cause of pellet cracking, dusting and flaking. The paper also names bed-wide crushing from thermal expansion and contraction as a possible cause. The authors judged Grade 544 13X and BASF 13X to carry the least overall risk of dusting among the candidates they compared.",
      "rating": "low",
      "conditions": {
        "test": "hydrothermal stability test stand, thermal cycling of packed beds",
        "grades": "13X grades named in the paper"
      },
      "source": "nasa-ices2017",
      "where": "Section III.A, Hydrothermal Stability Test text, and Sorbent Structural Property Summary"
    },
    {
      "environment": "Hydrothermal conditions during regeneration",
      "headline": "The data sheet asks users to avoid hydrothermal conditions during regeneration, and gives no test figure for them.",
      "effect": "BASF says the appearance of so-called hydrothermal conditions during regeneration should be avoided as far as possible. The data sheet does not quantify the loss of capacity or strength under these conditions.",
      "rating": "unknown",
      "conditions": {
        "regeneration": "purge gas warms the bed to 200 °C to 300 °C, not exceeding 450 °C"
      },
      "source": "basf-13x",
      "where": "Regeneration paragraph, page 1"
    }
  ],
  "risks": {
    "hazards": [
      {
        "text": "BASF states that BASF 13X Molecular Sieve is nontoxic. The same data sheet warns that users should not assume that toxicity data and safety measures are indicated, or that other measures may not be required.",
        "ghs": [],
        "source": "basf-13x",
        "where": "Regeneration paragraph (nontoxic statement) and the disclaimer on the last page"
      },
      {
        "text": "PubChem's record for sodium aluminosilicate (CID 72941443), a related substance and not the BASF 13X grade, reports that it does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 97.4% (559 of 574) of company reports. Only 2.6% of companies provided GHS information.",
        "ghs": [],
        "source": "pubchem-sodium-aluminosilicate",
        "where": "Safety and Hazards, GHS Classification (CID 72941443)"
      }
    ],
    "failure_risks": [
      {
        "mode": "Dust release in a packed bed",
        "trigger": "Crushing loads, thermal cycling and particle collisions in the voids of a packed bed (causes NASA lists)",
        "consequence": "NASA states that dust can impair moving parts and seals, damage pumps and compressors, and clog filters, which raises pressure drop and can force a system shutdown. The paper reports no dusting problems for the flown Grade 544 13X on the ISS.",
        "severity": "moderate",
        "source": "nasa-ices2017",
        "where": "Introduction (dust paragraph), and Conclusions"
      },
      {
        "mode": "Lower CO2 capacity after cyclic humid exposure",
        "trigger": "Repeated cycles with humid air, and regeneration below the full-activation temperature",
        "consequence": "In NASA's cyclic tests the three 13X zeolites settled at a reduced CO2 performance level compared with dry isotherm values. The paper's simulated recovery figure depends on regeneration at 204 °C.",
        "severity": "moderate",
        "source": "nasa-ices2017",
        "where": "Results, section C (CO2 sorbent selection)"
      }
    ],
    "side_effects": [],
    "handling": [
      {
        "text": "BASF packs the product in 216 L (135 kg) airtight steel drums, or in polypropylene-lined big bags of 650 or 800 kg net.",
        "source": "basf-13x",
        "where": "Packaging"
      }
    ],
    "mitigations": [
      {
        "text": "Regenerate with purge gas at 200 °C to 300 °C and do not exceed 450 °C, as BASF recommends.",
        "source": "basf-13x",
        "where": "Regeneration paragraph, page 1"
      },
      {
        "text": "NASA selected a 13X grade after screening candidates on crush strength, attrition and hydrothermal stability, with minimised dusting as the main criterion.",
        "source": "nasa-ices2017",
        "where": "Introduction, and Sorbent Structural Property Summary"
      }
    ]
  },
  "uses": [
    {
      "application": "habitats-and-suits",
      "device": "Residual desiccant layer in the ISS Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA)",
      "example": "NASA's paper says the desiccant beds contain layers of silica gels and 13X zeolite, and the grade flown on the ISS is Grace MS 544 (Grade 544 13X).",
      "source": "nasa-ices2017",
      "where": "Section I (Introduction), CDRA paragraph; Table 2"
    },
    {
      "application": "habitats-and-suits",
      "device": "Pressure or vacuum swing adsorption plant for non-cryogenic oxygen enrichment from air",
      "example": "BASF lists non-cryogenic oxygen enrichment from air using pressure (vacuum) swing adsorption (PSA/VPSA) as a field of application for BASF 13X.",
      "source": "basf-13x",
      "where": "Product applications, first page"
    },
    {
      "application": "thermal-control",
      "device": "Regenerative thermochemical energy storage for cold or heat",
      "example": "BASF says BASF 13X can be used as regenerative thermo-chemical energy storage for the generation of cold or heat, possibly with sun energy or exhaust heat.",
      "source": "basf-13x",
      "where": "Product applications, first page"
    }
  ],
  "supply": [
    {
      "subject": "Zeolites (natural), the mined analogue; synthetic 13X is not covered by the USGS data",
      "abundance": "USGS gives 1,300,000 t of world natural zeolite mine production in 2025e. No producer data for synthetic 13X was found in any source we opened.",
      "producers": [
        {
          "country": "Slovakia",
          "share_percent": 21.5,
          "year": 2025
        },
        {
          "country": "Georgia",
          "share_percent": 18.5,
          "year": 2025
        },
        {
          "country": "Korea, Republic of",
          "share_percent": 12.3,
          "year": 2025
        },
        {
          "country": "China",
          "share_percent": 11.5,
          "year": 2025
        }
      ],
      "critical_lists": [],
      "recycling": "USGS: zeolites used for desiccation, gas absorbance, wastewater treatment and water purification may be reused after reprocessing of the spent zeolites.",
      "substitutes": [],
      "source": "usgs-zeolites-2026",
      "where": "World Mine Production and Reserves table, 2025e column (shares calculated by Space Mushroom against the 1,300,000 t world total); Recycling"
    },
    {
      "subject": "Alumina (aluminium oxide), an aluminium raw material; the 13X synthesis route is not stated in our sources",
      "producers": [
        {
          "country": "China",
          "year": 2025
        },
        {
          "country": "Australia",
          "year": 2025
        },
        {
          "country": "Brazil",
          "year": 2025
        }
      ],
      "critical_lists": [],
      "substitutes": [],
      "source": "usgs-bauxite-alumina-2026",
      "where": "Alumina production table, 2025e column: China 93,000 t, Australia 17,000 t, Brazil 11,000 t. The table total was not read reliably, so no shares are given."
    }
  ],
  "media": [],
  "documents": [
    {
      "title": "BASF 13X Molecular Sieve product data sheet (BASF-9391 rev 02/2024)",
      "type": "datasheet",
      "url": "https://download.basf.com/p1/8a8082048fa5910c018fc44de15565ae/en/13X_Molecular_Sieve_Datasheet_Technical_Data_Sheet_English.pdf",
      "year": 2024
    },
    {
      "title": "Investigation of Desiccants and CO2 Sorbents for Exploration Systems 2016-2017 (ICES-2017-188)",
      "type": "report",
      "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20170008962/downloads/20170008962.pdf",
      "year": 2017
    },
    {
      "title": "PubChem: Sodium aluminosilicate (CID 72941443), GHS classification",
      "type": "database",
      "url": "https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/72941443",
      "year": 2026
    },
    {
      "title": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Zeolites (Natural)",
      "type": "report",
      "url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-zeolites.pdf",
      "year": 2026
    },
    {
      "title": "USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Bauxite and Alumina",
      "type": "report",
      "url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-bauxite-alumina.pdf",
      "year": 2026
    }
  ],
  "gaps": [
    "No attrition, crush-strength, humidity-cycling or hydrothermal-stability numbers for the BASF grade were recorded: NASA's values are printed in figures, not in the text we could read.",
    "No flight, vacuum, radiation or thermal-vacuum result for the BASF grade was found. NASA's ISS flight heritage refers to Grace MS 544 (Grade 544 13X), a different product.",
    "No CAS number for zeolite 13X was confirmed in a source we opened; PubChem returned no record for the name 'zeolite 13X'.",
    "No SDS or PubChem hazard record for 13X itself was found. The PubChem record used is for sodium aluminosilicate (CID 72941443), a related substance; the BASF data sheet gives only a 'nontoxic' statement.",
    "The 13X synthesis route is not stated in any source we opened. Wikipedia describes the 4A route: aqueous sodium silicate and sodium aluminate combined at 80 °C and then activated at 400 °C.",
    "Producer shares for synthetic 13X were not found. The USGS zeolite data cover natural zeolites only, and the alumina table total was not read reliably, so no alumina shares are given.",
    "Wikipedia's molecular sieve table gives 13X figures, but the column headings were not readable in the text we extracted, so none of those numbers were recorded.",
    "CO2 capacity values for the BASF grade at 25 °C or 50 °C were not found in text; NASA's isotherm results are in figures.",
    "RK-38 (a 5A zeolite CO2 sorbent in CDRA, Table 2 of NASA's paper) is used only as a comparison point here; its dust history is not a property of 13X.",
    "Property names not in spores/property-canon.yaml (pore_size, bead_size, bulk_density, attrition, crush_strength, moisture_content_as_delivered, water_adsorption_capacity, regeneration_temperature, max_regeneration_temperature) were used as short snake_case names."
  ],
  "story": {
    "why": "Zeolite 13X is a synthetic sodium aluminosilicate sold as a molecular sieve. A molecular sieve is a material with pores of uniform size comparable to individual molecules (Wikipedia, Molecular sieve). A zeolite is a microporous crystalline aluminosilicate used as a commercial adsorbent (Wikipedia, Zeolite). The BASF 13X grade has a nominal pore size of 10 Å (1.0 nm). NASA's paper names 13X as the residual desiccant layer in the ISS Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly, and it judged 13X the primary residual desiccant among the candidates it tested.",
    "uses": [
      {
        "where": "ISS carbon dioxide removal",
        "line": "NASA describes 13X zeolite as the residual desiccant layer of the ISS Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly. The grade flown there is Grace MS 544 (Grade 544 13X in NASA's paper), not the BASF product in the data sheet."
      },
      {
        "where": "Gas drying and oxygen enrichment",
        "line": "BASF lists drying of gases and liquids, removal of mercaptans, and non-cryogenic oxygen enrichment from air by pressure or vacuum swing adsorption as applications of its 13X grade."
      },
      {
        "where": "Thermal energy storage",
        "line": "BASF says the product can be used as regenerative thermochemical energy storage for the generation of cold or heat."
      }
    ],
    "can_do": [
      {
        "label": "Water capacity",
        "line": "The data sheet gives a minimum water adsorption of 26.5 % wt at 55 % relative humidity and 20 °C for the activated sample.",
        "benchmark": "water_adsorption_capacity",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Pore size",
        "line": "The nominal pore size is 10 Å (1.0 nm), per the BASF data sheet.",
        "benchmark": "pore_size",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Bead strength",
        "line": "Crush strength is at least 25 N per bead for the 1.6 to 2.5 mm beads and at least 50 N per bead for the 2.5 to 5.0 mm beads.",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Regeneration",
        "line": "BASF recommends regenerating with purge gas at 200 °C to 300 °C, and not above 450 °C.",
        "scope": "material"
      }
    ],
    "compare": "In NASA's standalone residual-desiccant tests, 13X zeolite was by a large order the best option for capturing water below detectable limits for the longest time. 4A zeolite came next at about half that effectiveness, and 3A zeolite broke through early despite a similar final capacity. In NASA's CO2 screening, every X-type zeolite under consideration gave higher CO2 capacity than RK-38, a 5A zeolite used in CDRA, after 204 °C activation. The paper says APGIII and VSA-10 have exceptional adsorption capacity but weaker pellet integrity, so NASA selected a 13X grade for its low dusting instead.",
    "compare_rows": [
      {
        "label": "Water adsorption capacity",
        "benchmark": "water_adsorption_capacity",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Crush strength",
        "benchmark": "crush_strength",
        "scope": "material"
      },
      {
        "label": "Bulk density",
        "benchmark": "bulk_density",
        "scope": "material"
      }
    ],
    "handling": [
      "The data sheet calls the product nontoxic, but also says users should not assume that toxicity data and safety measures are indicated.",
      "Store and ship it in its airtight packaging: 216 L (135 kg) steel drums or 650 or 800 kg big bags.",
      "Regenerate with purge gas at 200 °C to 300 °C, and do not exceed 450 °C.",
      "Avoid hydrothermal conditions during regeneration as far as possible, as BASF advises."
    ],
    "good_for": [
      "Drying gas streams to very low water levels: NASA chose a 13X grade for residual drying in the ISS desiccant beds.",
      "Low dust in a packed bed: NASA judged the 13X grades to carry the least overall dusting risk among the candidates it compared."
    ],
    "watch_out": [
      "CO2 capacity falls after cyclic humid exposure: NASA's cyclic tests show the 13X zeolites below their dry isotherm values.",
      "Dust is the main failure mode NASA screened for, and thermal-expansion mismatch in the pellet is a theorised cause.",
      "No flight, vacuum or radiation data for the BASF grade were found in our sources."
    ],
    "verdict": "NASA treats 13X as the primary residual desiccant for ISS-style CO2 removal beds. The BASF data sheet gives typical manufacturing values only, so confirm the grade and its test data before design.",
    "recipe": {
      "line": "Zeolite 13X is a sodium aluminosilicate with the general composition Na2O . Al2O3 . m SiO2 . n H2O, where m is at most 2.35 (BASF data sheet). Its framework is faujasite (FAU), built from sodalite cages (Wikipedia, Faujasite). The data sheet does not fix the water content n, and the synthesis route is not stated in our sources.",
      "parts": [
        {
          "name": "Sodium oxide",
          "symbol": "Na2O",
          "role": "Sodium is the cation in the framework. The name 'Na-X' in Wikipedia's molecular sieve table marks the sodium form of the X-type zeolite."
        },
        {
          "name": "Aluminium oxide",
          "symbol": "Al2O3",
          "role": "Alumina part of the framework, as printed in the chemical formula."
        },
        {
          "name": "Silicon dioxide",
          "symbol": "SiO2",
          "role": "Silica part of the framework; the printed formula gives m SiO2 with m at most 2.35."
        },
        {
          "name": "Water",
          "symbol": "H2O",
          "role": "Water of hydration, printed as n H2O; the amount is not fixed in the data sheet."
        }
      ]
    },
    "risk_groups": [
      {
        "title": "For people",
        "lead": "BASF calls the product nontoxic, but its own disclaimer asks users not to assume that toxicity data are given. The PubChem record used covers sodium aluminosilicate, a related substance, not the BASF grade.",
        "points": [
          {
            "label": "The powder",
            "line": "BASF states the product is nontoxic. PubChem's record for sodium aluminosilicate reports no GHS hazard criteria for 97.4% (559 of 574) of company reports."
          },
          {
            "label": "Dust",
            "line": "NASA ranks dust as the main selection risk for these beds. The data sheet gives no dust-handling guidance."
          }
        ],
        "level": 0,
        "verdict": "Nontoxic per BASF; no GHS hazard found"
      },
      {
        "title": "If the bed overheats",
        "lead": "The sources we opened contain no runaway or fire test for 13X. Hydrothermal conditions during regeneration are the one warning BASF gives.",
        "points": [
          {
            "label": "Regeneration",
            "line": "BASF advises avoiding hydrothermal conditions during regeneration as far as possible, and recommends 200 °C to 300 °C with a purge gas, not exceeding 450 °C."
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "title": "Handling and storage",
        "points": [
          {
            "label": "Packaging",
            "line": "The product ships in 216 L (135 kg) airtight steel drums, or in polypropylene-lined big bags of 650 or 800 kg net."
          },
          {
            "label": "Thermal cycling",
            "line": "NASA lists thermal-expansion mismatch between zeolite crystals and binder as a theorised cause of pellet dusting."
          }
        ]
      }
    ]
  },
  "updated": "2026-11-01",
  "review": {
    "status": "draft",
    "method": "assistant",
    "checked_values": 13,
    "unreachable": 0,
    "caveats": 2,
    "note": "Written by an AI assistant on 2026-11-01 from the BASF datasheet, the NASA ICES-2017 paper, two USGS chapters, the PubChem record for a related substance and three Wikipedia pages. Values are the datasheet's typical values, not NASA test results."
  },
  "sources": {
    "basf-13x": {
      "title": "BASF 13X Molecular Sieve, Product Data Sheet (BASF-9391 rev 02/2024)",
      "id": "BASF-9391 rev 02/2024",
      "url": "https://download.basf.com/p1/8a8082048fa5910c018fc44de15565ae/en/13X_Molecular_Sieve_Datasheet_Technical_Data_Sheet_English.pdf",
      "year": 2024,
      "kind": "datasheet",
      "license": "manufacturer data sheet, linked not reproduced"
    },
    "nasa-ices2017": {
      "title": "Investigation of Desiccants and CO2 Sorbents for Exploration Systems 2016-2017",
      "id": "ICES-2017-188, 47th International Conference on Environmental Systems; NTRS 20170008962",
      "url": "https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20170008962/downloads/20170008962.pdf",
      "year": 2017,
      "kind": "report",
      "license": "public domain (NASA)"
    },
    "usgs-zeolites-2026": {
      "title": "Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Zeolites (Natural)",
      "id": "USGS MCS 2026, February 2026",
      "url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-zeolites.pdf",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "report",
      "license": "public domain (USGS)"
    },
    "usgs-bauxite-alumina-2026": {
      "title": "Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, Bauxite and Alumina",
      "id": "USGS MCS 2026, February 2026",
      "url": "https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2026/mcs2026-bauxite-alumina.pdf",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "report",
      "license": "public domain (USGS)"
    },
    "pubchem-sodium-aluminosilicate": {
      "title": "PubChem compound record, Sodium aluminosilicate (CID 72941443)",
      "id": "CID 72941443",
      "url": "https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/72941443",
      "year": 2026,
      "kind": "database",
      "license": "public domain (NCBI)"
    },
    "wiki-molecular-sieve": {
      "title": "Molecular sieve, Wikipedia",
      "id": "en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molecular_sieve",
      "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molecular_sieve",
      "kind": "web",
      "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikipedia text)"
    },
    "wiki-zeolite": {
      "title": "Zeolite, Wikipedia",
      "id": "en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeolite",
      "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeolite",
      "kind": "web",
      "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikipedia text)"
    },
    "wiki-faujasite": {
      "title": "Faujasite, Wikipedia",
      "id": "en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faujasite",
      "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faujasite",
      "kind": "web",
      "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikipedia text)"
    }
  },
  "license": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "url": "https://spacemushroom.com/profiles/zeolite-13x/"
}