Photoluminescence properties of Ag2S semiconductor clusters synthesized in micropores and mesopores

Silver sulfide (Ag2S) clusters were synthesized in microporous zeolites and mesoporous AlMCM-41 by the sulfurization of Ag+ ions exchanged within the pores of the host. Characterization was performed by means of XRD, UV-Vis Ag K-edge XAFS and photoluminescence. The pore size of the host has great effects on the photoluminescence properties. Ag2S/AlMCM-41 showed photoluminescence at the longer wavelengths than Ag2S/zeolites. The photoluminescence band of Ag2S in the zeolite with 1-dimensional channels was narrow in comparison to the Ag2S in zeolites with 2- or 3-dimensional channels.