Characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles encapsulated into zeolite-Y: An in-situ combined X-ray diffraction, XAFS, and SAXS study

Characterization of zinc oxide containing zeolite Y was performed employing time-resolved in situ small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), WAXS and EXAFS techniques. Extending procedures used previously for the preparation of CdO clusters in side zeolite cages, zinc oxide particles have been successfully prepared within the cavities of zeolite Y. The preparation entails ion-exchange of Zn(II) followed by treatment with an alkaline solution before thermal treatment to produce oxide particles. Experimental results give strong evidence for the formation of small zinc oxide clusters with sizes in the range of 10-20 A. Particle sizes estimated from the analysis of EXAFS and SAXS data are consistent with the cavity size of zeolite Y