Amorphous selenium nanoparticles in Nd-Y zeolite frameworks

Zeolites with cages of uniform size and shape provide unique frameworks for the formation of monodisperse nanoparticles. XRD allows detection of both the zeolite matrix and the nanoparticles embedded in the zeolite cages. Rigaku's SmartLab^® diffractometer, equipped with a 9 kW rotating anode X-ray source and advanced optics, provides the necessary photon flux for the measurement of the nanoparticles about 1 nm in size in a timely manner, saving users time for visiting synchrotron sources.

Selenium nanoparticles grown in dehydrated Nd-Y zeolite using vapor phase deposition results in spherical nanoparticles of uniform diameter of 0.7 nm. The XRD pattern measured on the SmartLab is shown below, along with the diagram of a structural model. In addition to the crystalline zeolite peaks, a featured background was clearly seen. Interestingly, this background pattern matches very well the already-known XRD pattern of amorphous selenium, indicating that the nano selenium particles in zeolite are amorphous in nature.

Tags: SmartLab, zeolites, nanoparticles