Synchrotron X-ray, Photoluminescence, and Quantum Chemistry Studies of Bismuth-Embedded Dehydrated Zeolite Y

For the first time, direct experimental evidence of the
formation
of monovalent Bi (i.e., Bi+) in zeolite Y is provided based
on the analysis of high-resolution synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction
data. Photoluminescence results as well as quantum chemistry calculations
suggest that the substructures of Bi+ in the sodalite cages
contribute to the ultrabroad near-infrared emission. These results
not only enrich the well-established spectrum of optically active
zeolites and deepen the understanding of bismuth related photophysical
behaviors, but also may raise new possibilities for the design and
synthesis of novel hybrid nanoporous photonic materials activated
by other heavier p-block elements.