Photoluminescence of Ag-loaded A, X, and Y type zeolites heat-treated in atmosphere

We use in-situ X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) to examine the relation between Ag clusters or Ag ions and properties of photoluminescence (PL). The Ag clusters are generated in the cavity of Ag-type zeolite-A, X, and Y heating in atmosphere. The Ag clusters in the zeolite cavity break down when cooled to room temperature after heating in atmosphere. Results of this study suggest that collapsing Ag cluster plays an important role in the generation of strong PL bands and that Ag clusters might not be a direct species of PL. Results also show that the local sites of Ag ions differ slightly from the unheated species induced by the formation and destruction of Ag clusters.