The channel system in a new class of porous materials can be studied by a combination of catalytic results simple physicochemical characterization, and physical investigations. The investigations described hare include the physisorption of small probe molecules, pulsed field gradient (PFG) NMR of selected small molecules, and the effect of surface polarity on diffusivity. These techniques will be useful in the search for novel microporous materials-for which there is a growing need-as an alternative to zeolites.