Abstract: The present invention provides for a process of separating hydrocarbons such as short chain paraffins and olefins from non-hydrocarbon gases using short-cycle time concentration swing adsorption processes. The hydrocarbons are adsorbed from the gaseous stream on highly siliceous nanoporous materials, e.g., such as of aluminum-deficient faujasite-type zeolites, by way of a pressure, vacuum or temperature swing adsorption, then desorbed from the adsorbent in the presence of steam. Optionally, the steam is desorbed from the adsorbent through the use of air or inert gas or a recycle of the waste gas effluent. The invention also provides for a new method of preparing novel shapes such as beads and monolithic structures of the highly sileceous nanoporous materials.