How does an oxygen generator zeolite work?

Zeolite in an oxygen generator functions as a molecular sieve that separates oxygen from nitrogen through a process called Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA). When ambient air is compressed and passed through a bed of zeolite, the material’s microporous structure selectively adsorbs nitrogen molecules due to their size and electrostatic properties. Oxygen molecules, being less polar and smaller, pass through the zeolite bed and are collected as the product gas. Once the zeolite becomes saturated with nitrogen, the pressure is reduced, causing the nitrogen to desorb and allowing the zeolite to regenerate. This cyclical process enables continuous production of oxygen-enriched air.