An Air-Stable Selenium/Zeolite Nanocomposite

A novel selenium/faujasite nanocomposite was synthesized on the basis of Rb+-exchanged zeolite Y. The confined selenium has an optical band gap of 2.62 eV and exhibits a significantly improved stability in air when compared to other selenium/faujasite composites. Its unique Raman spectrum consists of 12 well-resolved modes, which are attributed to Se8 (D4d) crowns and stable Rb+ coordination complexes with this ring molecule. The Rb+ coordination has a strong structure-directing effect on the confined Se, promoting a complete cyclization of the Se inside the cavities of zeolite Y. The extraordinary stability of this composite is credited to the matching dimensions of the Se8 rings and the aluminosilicate framework as well as to the coordinative immobilization of the Se clusters.