Silver atoms and clusters in molecular sieves and clays

Electron spin resonance (ESR) and electron spin echo modulation (ESEM) studies on small paramagnetic silver clusters generated radiolytically in molecular sieves and clays are reviewed. Special attention is paid to the role of framework structure with respect to cluster nuclearity and stability. In general, geometrical size constraints play a crucial role and molecular sieves with cage-like structures with small openings between the cages such as A and rho zeolites stabilize cationic silver clusters more efficiently than channel-like zeolite structures. In addition, other factors like total cation capacity, type of cocation and/or molecular adsorbate in the cages can affect the silver agglomeration process to a great extent. The mechanism of silver agglomeration in irradiated molecular sieves and clays based on the ESR results is described as well as the reactivity of tetrameric and hexameric silver clusters with various molecular adsorbates.