IR and XAFS Studies of Photoluminescent Ag-type Zeolite-A

We examined the relation between the zeolite framework, Ag clusters, and properties of photoluminescence (PL) using in-situ infrared spectroscopy (IR) and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS). The Ag clusters are generated in the cavity of Ag-type zeolite-A that is cooled to room temperature after heating at 500°C for 24 hour under vacuum or in atmosphere. The Ag clusters in the zeolite cavity break down when air is introduced. According to the formation and breakdown of the Ag cluster, the infrared spectrum of the zeolite framework changed slightly. Then, this change was compensated by irradiation of the excitation light. Results suggest that the structural change in the zeolite induced by the formation and breakdown of the Ag clusters is a key point of the PL mechanism.