The solids that have pore systems and / or large reactive surfaces are of great interest because they represent the basis for new technologies. These materials are used in many different areas, such as fine chemicals, petrochemicals, biochemistry, biotechnology, medicine, etc. This book is a manual on important groups of materials for industrial applications. It provides a descriptive approach, in order to be accessible to both students of different levels and professionals. We have considered several groups of materials, making a classification according to the nature of their pores or surface properties, and their chemical nature, including microporous materials such as zeolites; mesoporous materials such as MCM-41 family; clays and hydrotalcites; macroporous materials; advanced ceramics; and new carbon-based materials. Finally, some applications in life sciences, such as enzyme immobilization, use in -OMICS technologies, and controlled drug delivery using liposomal or polymeric materials are included.