An Ultrastable,Small {Ag7}5+ Nanocluster within a Triangular Hollow Polyoxometalate Framework

Small Ag_n nanoclusters (n<10) have been emerging as promising materials as sensing, biolabeling, and catalysis because of their unique electronic states and optical properties. However, studying synthesis, structure determination, and exploration of their properties remain major challenges as a result of the low stability of small Ag nanoclusters. Herein, we synthesized an atomically precise face-centered-cubic-type small {Ag₇}⁵⁺ nanocluster supported by a novel triangular hollow polyoxometalate (POM) framework [Si₃W₂₇O₉₆]¹⁸⁻. The cluster showed unique {Ag₇}⁵⁺-to-POM charge transfer bands in both visible and UV light regions. Furthermore, this small {Ag₇}⁵⁺ nanocluster exhibited an unprecedented ultrastability in solution, despite having exposed Ag sites that can be accessed by small molecules, such as O₂, water, and solvents.     

Time‐Resolved Assembly of Cluster‐in‐Cluster {Ag12}‐in‐{W76} Polyoxometalates under Supramolecular Control

We report the time‐resolved supramolecular assembly of a series of nanoscale polyoxometalate clusters (from the same one‐pot reaction) of the form: [H_(10+m)Ag₁₈Cl(Te₃W₃₈O₁₃₄)₂]_n, where n=1 and m=0 for compound 1 (after 4 days), n=2 and m=3 for compound 2 (after 10 days), and n=∞ and m=5 for compound 3 (after 14 days). The reaction is based upon the self‐organization of two {Te₃W₃₈} units around a single chloride template and the formation of a {Ag₁₂} cluster, giving a {Ag₁₂}‐in‐{W₇₆} cluster‐in‐cluster in compound 1 , which further aggregates to cluster compounds 2 and 3 by supramolecular Ag‐POM interactions. The proposed mechanism for the formation of the clusters has been studied by ESI‐MS. Further, control experiments demonstrate the crucial role that TeO₃^2?, Cl^?, and Ag⁺ play in the self‐assembly of compounds 1 – 3 .     

Variable control of the electronic states of a silver nanocluster via protonation/deprotonation of polyoxometalate ligands

The properties of metal nanoclusters depend on both their structures and electronic states. However, in contrast to the significant advances achieved in the synthesis of structurally well-defined metal nanoclusters, systematic control of their electronic states is still challenging. In particular, stimuli-responsive and reversible control of the electronic states of metal nanoclusters is attractive from the viewpoint of their practical applications. Recently, we developed a synthesis method for atomically precise Ag nanoclusters using polyoxometalates (POMs) as inorganic ligands. Herein, we exploited the acid/base nature of POMs to reversibly change the electronic states of an atomically precise {Ag₂₇} nanocluster via protonation/deprotonation of the surrounding POM ligands. We succeeded in systematically controlling the electronic states of the {Ag₂₇} nanocluster by adding an acid or a base (0–6 equivalents), which was accompanied by drastic changes in the ultraviolet-visible absorption spectra of the nanocluster solutions. These results demonstrate the great potential of Ag nanoclusters for unprecedented applications in various fields such as sensing, biolabeling, electronics, and catalysis.

The electronic states of Ag nanoclusters were reversibly controlled driven by protonation/deprotonation of polyoxometalate ligands.     

Discrete Silver(I)‐Palladium(II)‐Oxo Nanoclusters, {Ag4Pd13} and {Ag5Pd15}, and the Role of Metal–Metal Bonding Induced by Cation Confinement

We introduce the class of discrete silver(I)‐palladium(II)‐oxo nanoclusters with the preparation of {Ag₄Pd₁₃} and {Ag₅Pd₁₅}. Both polyanions represent the first examples of noble metal‐capped polyoxo‐noble‐metalates in a fully inorganic assembly, featuring an unprecedented host–guest mode containing hetero‐ and homometallic Ag–Pd and Ag–Ag bonding interactions. Comprehensive theoretical calculations suggest that the Ag–Pd metallic bonds originate partially from surface confinement of Ag^I guest ions onto the anionic polyoxopalladate host that is induced by strong electrostatic forces. This work opens the field of fully inorganic silver‐palladium‐oxo nanoclusters, which can be considered as discrete mixed noble metal precursors for the formation of monodisperse core–shell nanoparticles, with high relevance for catalysis.     

Au130−xAgx Nanoclusters with Non‐Metallicity: A Drum of Silver‐Rich Sites Enclosed in a Marks‐Decahedral Cage of Gold‐Rich Sites

The synthesis and structure of atomically precise Au_130?xAg_x (average x=98) alloy nanoclusters protected by 55 ligands of 4‐tert‐butylbenzenethiolate are reported. This large alloy structure has a decahedral M₅₄ (M=Au/Ag) core. The Au atoms are localized in the truncated Marks decahedron. In the core, a drum of Ag‐rich sites is found, which is enclosed by a Marks decahedral cage of Au‐rich sites. The surface is exclusively Ag?SR; X‐ray absorption fine structure analysis supports the absence of Au?S bonds. The optical absorption spectrum shows a strong peak at 523 nm, seemingly a plasmon peak, but fs spectroscopic analysis indicates its non‐plasmon nature. The non‐metallicity of the Au_130?xAg_x nanocluster has set up a benchmark to study the transition to metallic state in the size evolution of bimetallic nanoclusters. The localized Au/Ag binary architecture in such a large alloy nanocluster provides atomic‐level insights into the Au?Ag bonds in bimetallic nanoclusters.     

Eight‐Electron Silver and Mixed Gold/Silver Nanoclusters Stabilized by Selenium Donor Ligands

The first atomically and structurally precise silver‐nanoclusters stabilized by Se‐donor ligands, [Ag₂₀{Se₂P(OⁱPr)₂}₁₂] ( 3 ) and [Ag₂₁{Se₂P(OEt)₂}₁₂]⁺( 4 ), were isolated by ligand replacement reaction of [Ag₂₀{S₂P(Oⁱ Pr)₂}₁₂] ( 1 ) and [Ag₂₁{S₂P(Oⁱ Pr)₂}₁₂]⁺ ( 2 ), respectively. Furthermore, doping reactions of 4 with Au(PPh₃)Cl resulted in the formation of [AuAg₂₀{Se₂P(OEt)₂}₁₂]⁺ ( 5 ). Structures of 3 , 4 , and 5 were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The anatomy of cluster 3 with an Ag₂₀ core having C ₃ symmetry is very similar to that of its dithiophosphate analogue 1 . Clusters 4 and 5 exhibit an Ag₂₁ and Au@Ag₂₀ core of O_h symmetry composed of eight silver capping atoms in a cubic arrangement and encapsulating an Ag₁₃ and Au@Ag₁₂ centered icosahedron, respectively. Both ligand exchange and heteroatom doping result in significant changes in optical and emissive properties for chalcogen‐passivated silver nanoparticles, which have been theoretically confirmed as 8‐electron superatoms.     

Cu Doping-Induced Transformation from [Ag62S12(SBut)32]2+ to [Ag62−xCuxS12(SBut)32]4+ Nanocluster

The change in the valence state of nanocluster can induce remarkable changes in the properties and structure. However, achieving the valence state changes in nanoclusters is still a challenge. In this work, we use Cu²⁺ as dopant to “oxidize” [Ag₆₂S₁₂(SBu^t)₃₂]²⁺ (4 free electrons) to obtain the new nanocluster: [Ag_62−xCu_xS₁₂(SBu^t)₃₂]⁴⁺ with 2 free electrons. As revealed by its structure, the [Ag_62−xCu_xS₁₂(SBu^t)₃₂]⁴⁺ (x=10∼21) has a similar structure to that of [Ag₆₂S₁₂(SBu^t)₃₂]²⁺ precursor and all the Cu atoms occupy the surface site of nanocluster. It′s worth noting that with the Cu atoms doping, the [Ag_62−xCu_xS₁₂(SBu^t)₃₂]⁴⁺ nanocluster is more stable than [Ag₆₂S₁₂(SBu^t)₃₂]²⁺ at higher temperature and in electrochemical cycle. This result has laid a foundation for the subsequent application and exploration. Overall, this work reveals crystals structure of a new Ag−Cu nanocluster and offers a new insight into the electron reduction/oxidation of nanocluster.     

Rhombicuboctahedral Ag100: Four‐Layered Octahedral Silver Nanocluster Adopting the Russian Nesting Doll Model

Precise atomic structure of metal nanoclusters (NCs) is fundamental for elucidating the structure–property relationships and the inherent size‐evolution principles. Reported here is the largest known FCC‐based (FCC=face centered cubic) silver nanocluster, [Ag₁₀₀(SC₆H₃^3,4F₂)₄₈(PPh₃)₈]^?: the first all‐octahedral symmetric nesting Ag nanocluster with a four‐layered Ag₆@Ag₃₈@Ag₄₈S₂₄@Ag₈S₂₄P₈ structure, consistent symmetry elements, and a unique rhombicuboctahedral morphology distinct from theoretical predictions and previously reported FCC‐based Ag clusters. DFT studies revealed extensive interlayer interactions and degenerate frontier orbitals. The FCC‐based Russian nesting doll model constitutes a new platform for the study of the size‐evolution principles of Ag NCs.     

[Ag21{S2P(OiPr)2}12]+: An Eight‐Electron Superatom

A novel discrete [Ag₂₁{S₂P(OiPr)₂}₁₂](PF₆) nanocluster has been synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and also NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ³¹P), ESI mass spectrometry, and other analytic techniques (XPS, EDS, UV/Vis spectroscopy). The Ag₂₁ skeleton has an unprecedented silver‐centered icosahedron that is capped by eight additional metal atoms. The whole framework is protected by twelve dithiophosphate ligands. According to the spherical Jellium model, the stability of monocationic nanocluster can be described by an 8‐electron superatom with 1S² 1P⁶ configuration, as confirmed by DFT calculations.     

Counter‐anion role in the formation of two supramolecular complexes: [Ag2(DPP)2](ClO4)2·CH3CN and [Ag2(DPP)2(NO3)2] {DPP is N‐[(diphenylphosphanyl)methyl]pyridin‐4‐amine}

The title compounds, bis{μ‐N‐[(diphenylphosphanyl)methyl]pyridin‐4‐amine‐κ²N¹:P}disilver bis(perchlorate) acetonitrile monosolvate, [Ag₂(C₁₈H₁₇N₂P)₂](ClO₄)₂·CH₃CN, (1), and bis{μ‐N‐[(diphenylphosphanyl)methyl]pyridin‐4‐amine‐κ²N¹:P}bis[(nitrato‐κ²O,O)silver], [Ag₂(C₁₈H₁₇N₂P)₂(NO₃)₂], (2), each contain disilver macrocyclic [Ag₂(C₁₈H₁₇N₂P)₂]²⁺ cations lying about inversion centres. The cations are constructed by two N‐[(diphenylphosphanyl)methyl]pyridin‐4‐amine (DPP) ligands linking two Ag⁺ cations in a head‐to‐tail fashion. In (1), the unique Ag⁺ cation has a near‐linear coordination geometry consisting of one pyridine N atom and one P atom from two different DPP ligands. Two ClO₄⁻ anions doubly bridge two metallomacrocycles through Ag...O and N—H...O weak interactions to form a chain extending in the c direction. The half‐occupancy acetonitrile molecule lies with its methyl C atom on a twofold axis and makes a weak N...Ag contact. In (2), there are two independent [Ag(C₁₈H₁₇N₂P)]⁺ cations. The nitrate anions weakly chelate to each Ag⁺ cation, leading to each Ag⁺ cation having a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry consisting of one pyridine N atom and one P atom from two different DPP ligands, and two chelating nitrate O atoms. Each dinuclear [Ag₂(C₁₈H₁₇N₂P)₂(NO₃)₂] molecule acts as a four‐node to bridge four adjacent equivalent molecules through N—H...O interactions, forming a two‐dimensional sheet parallel to the bc plane. Each sheet contains dinuclear molecules involving just Ag1 or Ag2 and these two types of sheet are stacked in an alternating fashion. The sheets containing Ag1 all lie near x = , , etc, while those containing Ag2 all lie near x = 0, 1, 2 etc. Thus, the two independent sheets are arranged in an alternating sequence at x = 0, , 1, etc. These two different supramolecular structures result from the different geometric conformations of the templating anions which direct the self‐assembly of the cations and anions.     

One‐Dimensional Polymers Based on Silver(I) Cations and Organometallic cyclo‐P3 Ligand Complexes

The synthesis and characterization of the first supramolecular aggregates incorporating the organometallic cyclo‐P₃ ligand complexes [Cp^RMo(CO)₂(η³‐P₃)] (Cp^R=Cp (C₅H₅; 1a ), Cp* (C₅(CH₃)₅; 1b )) as linking units is described. The reaction of the Cp derivative 1a with AgX (X=CF₃SO₃, Al{OC(CF₃)₃}₄) yields the one‐dimensional (1D) coordination polymers [Ag{CpMo(CO)₂(μ,η³:η¹:η¹‐P₃)}₂]_n[Al{OC(CF₃)₃}₄]_n ( 2 ) and [Ag{CpMo(CO)₂(μ,η³:η¹:η¹‐P₃)}₃]_n[X]_n (X=CF₃SO₃ ( 3a ), Al{OC(CF₃)₃}₄ ( 3b )). The solid‐state structures of these polymers were revealed by X‐ray crystallography and shown to comprise polycationic chains well‐separated from the weakly coordinating anions. If AgCF₃SO₃ is used, polymer 3a is obtained regardless of reactant stoichiometry whereas in the case of Ag[Al{OC(CF₃)₃}₄], reactant stoichiometry plays a decisive role in determining the structure and composition of the resulting product. Moreover, polymers 3a, b are the first examples of homoleptic silver complexes in which Ag^I centers are found octahedrally coordinated to six phosphorus atoms. The Cp* derivative 1b reacts with Ag[Al{OC(CF₃)₃}₄] to yield the 1D polymer [Ag{Cp*Mo(CO)₂(μ,η³:η²:η¹‐P₃)}₂]_n[Al{OC(CF₃)₃}₄]_n ( 4 ), the crystal structure of which differs from that of polymer 2 in the coordination mode of the cyclo‐P₃ ligands: in 2 , the Ag⁺ cations are bridged by the cyclo‐P₃ ligands in a η¹:η¹ (edge bridging) fashion whereas in 4 , they are bridged exclusively in a η²:η¹ mode (face bridging). Thus, one third of the phosphorus atoms in 2 are not coordinated to silver while in 4 , all phosphorus atoms are engaged in coordination with silver. Comprehensive spectroscopic and analytical measurements revealed that the polymers 2 , 3a , b , and 4 depolymerize extensively upon dissolution and display dynamic behavior in solution, as evidenced in particular by variable temperature ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. Solid‐state ³¹P magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR measurements, performed on the polymers 2 , 3b , and 4 , demonstrated that the polymers 2 and 3b also display dynamic behavior in the solid state at room temperature. The X‐ray crystallographic characterisation of 1b is also reported.     

Core Modulation of 70‐Nuclei Core‐Shell Silver Nanoclusters

The reaction of {(HNEt₃)₂[Ag₁₀(tBuC₆H₄S)₁₂]}_n, Ag₂O, Na₂MoO₄, and m‐methoxybenzoic acid (Hmbc) in CH₃OH/CH₂Cl₂ led to yellow crystals of [Ag₄S₄ (MoO₄)₅@Ag₆₆] (SD/Ag70b; SD=SunDi) only, while in the presence of DMF, additional dark‐red crystals of [Ag₁₀@ (MoO₄)₇@Ag₆₀] (SD/Ag70a) were obtained. SD/Ag70b consists of five MoO₄^2? ions wrapped by a shell of 66 Ag atoms, while SD/Ag70a contains a rare Ag₁₀ kernel consisting of five tetrahedra sharing faces and edges, surrounded by seven MoO₄^2? ions enclosed in a shell of 60 Ag atoms. The formation of the Ag₁₀ kernel originates from a reduction reaction during the self‐assembly process that involves DMF. This work provides the structural information of a unique Ag₁₀ kernel (five fused Ag₄ tetrahedra) and paves an avenue to trap elusive silver species with hierarchical multi‐shell silver nanocluster assemblies with the help of anion templates.     

Unified reciprocity of dithiophosphate by dichalcogenophosph(in)ate ligands on copper hydride nanoclusters via ligand exchange reaction

A structural study of ligand exchange on chalcogen‐passivated copper nanoclusters is far less developed. Herein, we report the synthesis of polyhydrido copper nanoclusters [Cu₂₀H₁₁{Se₂P(O ⁱBu)₂}₉] ( 2 ) passivated by Se‐donor ligands via ligand replacement reaction on [Cu₂₀H₁₁{S₂P(O ⁱPr)₂}₉] ( 1 ) with NH₄[Se₂P(O ⁱBu)₂]. In parallel to the synthesis of 2 , cluster [Cu₂₀H₁₁{S₂P(CH₂CH₂Ph)₂}₉] ( 4 ) was produced by the ligand exchange reaction on a new derivative of 1 , that is [Cu₂₀H₁₁{S₂P(O ⁿPr)₂}₉] ( 3 ). Solid state structures of both clusters 2 and 4 were unequivocally established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies and cluster 4 epitomizes exceptional case to preserve both the shape and size of the nanocluster during the course of ligand exchange. Structurally precise cluster 2 is the second example where the copper hydride nanocluster is stabilized by Se‐donor ligands. The anatomy of 2 can be visualized as a twisted cuboctahedral Cu₁₃ core, two triangular faces of which are capped by a Cu₆ cupola and a single Cu atom along the C₃ rotational axis.     

Three AgI,CuI and CdII coordination polymers based on the new asymmetrical ligand 2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole: syntheses,characterization and emission properties

The new asymmetrical organic ligand 2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole ( L , C₁₇H₁₃N₅O), containing pyridine and imidazole terminal groups, as well as potential oxdiazole coordination sites, was designed and synthesized. The coordination chemistry of L with soft Ag^I, Cu^I and Cd^II metal ions was investigated and three new coordination polymers (CPs), namely, catena‐poly[[silver(I)‐μ‐2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole] hexafluoridophosphate], {[Ag( L )]PF₆}_n, catena‐poly[[copper(I)‐di‐μ‐iodido‐copper(I)‐bis(μ‐2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole)] 1,4‐dioxane monosolvate], {[Cu₂I₂( L )₂]·C₄H₈O₂}_n, and catena‐poly[[[dinitratocopper(II)]‐bis(μ‐2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole)]–methanol–water (1/1/0.65)], {[Cd( L )₂(NO₃)₂]·2CH₄O·0.65H₂O}_n, were obtained. The experimental results show that ligand L coordinates easily with linear Ag^I, tetrahedral Cu^I and octahedral Cd^II metal atoms to form one‐dimensional polymeric structures. The intermediate oxadiazole ring does not participate in the coordination interactions with the metal ions. In all three CPs, weak π–π interactions between the nearly coplanar pyridine, oxadiazole and benzene rings play an important role in the packing of the polymeric chains.     

Crystal structure of a NIR‐Emitting DNA‐Stabilized Ag16 Nanocluster

DNA has been used as a scaffold to stabilize small, atomically monodisperse silver nanoclusters, which have attracted attention due to their intriguing photophysical properties. Herein, we describe the X‐ray crystal structure of a DNA‐encapsulated, near‐infrared emitting Ag₁₆ nanocluster (DNA–Ag₁₆NC). The asymmetric unit of the crystal contains two DNA–Ag₁₆NCs and the crystal packing between the DNA–Ag₁₆NCs is promoted by several interactions, such as two silver‐mediated base pairs between 3′‐terminal adenines, two phosphate–Ca²⁺–phosphate interactions, and π‐stacking between two neighboring thymines. Each Ag₁₆NC is confined by two DNA decamers that take on a horse‐shoe‐like conformation and is almost fully shielded from the solvent environment. This structural insight will aid in the determination of the structure/photophysical property relationship for this class of emitters and opens up new research opportunities in fluorescence imaging and sensing using noble‐metal clusters.     

catena‐Poly[[silver(I)‐μ‐1,3‐bis(4‐pyridyl)propane] hemi(naphthalene‐1,5‐disulfonate) dihydrate]: a three‐dimensional metallo‐supramolecular sandwich lamellar network

The title compound, {[Ag(C₁₃H₁₄N₂)](C₁₀H₆O₆S₂)_0.5·2H₂O}_n, (I), features a three‐dimensional supramolecular sandwich architecture that consists of two‐dimensional cationic layers composed of polymeric chains of silver(I) ions and 1,3‐bis(4‐pyridyl)propane (bpp) ligands, linked by Ag...Ag and π–π interactions, alternating with anionic layers in which uncoordinated naphthalene‐1,5‐disulfonate (nds²⁻) anions and solvent water molecules form a hydrogen‐bonded network. The asymmetric unit consists of one Ag^I cation linearly coordinated by N atoms from two bpp ligands, one bpp ligand, one half of an nds²⁻ anion lying on a centre of inversion and two solvent water molecules. The two‐dimensional {[Ag(bpp)]⁺}_n cationic and {[(nds)·2H₂O]²⁻}_n anionic layers are assembled into a three‐dimensional supramolecular framework through long secondary coordination Ag...O interactions between the sulfonate O atoms and Ag^I centres and through nonclassical C—H...O hydrogen bonds.     

A Facile Grinding Method for the Synthesis of 3D Ag Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) Containing Ag6Mo7O24 for High-Performance Supercapacitors

Successful synthesis of three kinds of dynamically stable compounds by a simple grinding method is reported, giving Ag₆Mo₇O₂₄, Ag-BTC (Ag-MOF, BTC=benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid), and {Ag₆Mo₇O₂₄}@Ag-MOF metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). According to the electrochemical dynamic analysis, these materials have pseudocapacitor behavior and high capacitance. The unique nanorod structure of {Ag₆Mo₇O₂₄}@Ag-MOF provides more active sites, faster ion/electron transfer, and electrolyte diffusion pathways, resulting in excellent specific capacitance (971 F g⁻¹) higher than the other compounds. {Ag₆Mo₇O₂₄}@Ag-MOF (glassy carbon electrode) also has an excellent rate ability (60.1 %) and long cycle stability (98 % retention after 5000 cycles). In addition, the fully symmetrical button battery (with nickel foam as the current collector) fabricated with {Ag₆Mo₇O₂₄}@Ag-MOF delivers an energy density of 11.1 Wh kg⁻¹ at 600.1 Wh kg⁻¹ coupled with excellent cycling stability (86.4 %) at 1.2 V. These results demonstrate a new simple grinding method to prepare polyoxometalate-based metal–organic frameworks (POMOFs) for high-performance materials.     

A two‐dimensional undulating AgI coordination polymer constructed of Ag—C and Ag—O bonds: poly[[[μ3‐(5,6‐η):κO2:κO2‐(±)‐(1S,2S,3R,4R)‐3‐carboxy‐7‐oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐5‐ene‐2‐carboxylato]silver(I)] monohydrate]

The title coordination polymer, {[Ag(C₈H₇O₅)]·H₂O}_n, is built from Ag⁺ cations and singly protonated dehydronorcantharidin (SP‐DNC) anions, with a distorted trigonal‐planar geometry at the metal centre. The coordination number of Ag^I is three (with one Ag—π bond and two Ag—O bonds, one from each of three different SP‐DNC ligands), if only formal Ag–ligand bonds are considered, but can be regarded as five if longer weak Ag...O interactions are also included. The two‐dimensional corrugated‐sheet coordination polymer forms a non‐interpenetrating framework with (4.8²) topology. Disordered water molecules are sandwiched between the sheets.     

Photochemical properties of Ag ion clusters included within ZSM-5 zeolites prepared by an ion-exchange method

Photoluminescence investigations of the Ag ion-exchanged ZSM-5 (Ag⁺ /ZSM-5) zeolite revealed that a Ag ion cluster (Agⁿ _m ⁺) exists in the pore structure of ZSM-5 exhibiting photoluminesm cence at 380 nm upon excitation at 332 nm. UV irradiation ( = 285 nm) of Ag⁺ /ZSM-5 at 77 K leads to the transformation of Agⁿ _m ⁺ into a different Ag ion cluster (Ag_m ^(n-1)+) which exhibits photoluminescence at 465 nm upon excitation at 315 nm. This photo-transformation of the Ag ion clusters was found to be thermally reversible under vacuum. It was demonstrated that an electron transfer from the photo-excited Al³⁺ -O^2- to Agⁿ _m ⁺ plays a significant role in this process. In the presence of oxygen, UV irradiation of Ag⁺ /ZSM-5 leads to the formation of O₂- instead of an Ag ion cluster (Ag_m ^(n-1)+), suggesting that oxygen acts as an efficient electron scavenger, which interferes with the electron capture of Agⁿ _m ⁺ under UV irradiation at 285 nm.