Abstract: A finely porous article is produced by a method which comprises preparing a colloidal liquid phase containing silica particles by the addition of an ion-exchange resin to an aqueous sodium silicate solution or a liquid phase by the addition of an ion-exchange resin to an aqueous silica colloid solution and the subsequent treatment of the resultant composite for removal of salt or acid therefrom, mixing the former colloidal liquid phase or the latter liquid phase with a smectite type mineral, and drying the resultant mixture.

Abstract: A microporous separating material is produced by a method which comprises preparing a mixture of (1) macromolecular quaternary ammonium salt having a quaternary amine linked to a water-soluble macromolecular compound and possessing basicity, (2) a polymer of a polyoxyethylene alkylvinyl monomer and a vinyl monomer possessing basicity, or (3) a polymer of a halogenide of a quaternary amine, i.e. a basic macromolecular compound, and at least one water-soluble macromolecular substance selected from the group consisting of cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, and polyacrylamide with a smectite type mineral, mixing the aforementioned mixture with an inorganic substance in a water-soluble state, drying the resulting mixture, and firing the dried mixture.

Abstract: Finely porous clay having crystal layers separated by intervals of at least 20 .ANG. and having a smectite type mineral as a main component thereof. This finely porous clay is manufactured by mixing the smectite type mineral with water, a water-soluble polymer, and an inorganic substance and drying or heating the resultant mixture.