Framework modifications and dehydration path of a Ag+-modified, STI-type zeolite

The effect of Ag+ incorporation into stellerite, a natural zeolite with STI framework type, was investigated by means of Single Crystal X-ray Diffraction (SC-XRD), Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations and X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy (XAFS). At room temperature the complete exchange of the original extraframework ions with Ag+ provoked a distortion of the framework accompanied by symmetry reduction from orthorhombic Fmmm to monoclinic F2/m space group. Ag+ ions were strongly disordered, with occupancies ranging from 0.02 to 0.24, at partially-occupied sites within zeolitic cages. The combination of ab initio molecular dynamic simulations and XAFS spectroscopy suggested that Ag+ is coordinated by three water oxygens at 2.37 Å and by two framework oxygens at ca. 2.55 Å. The thermal stability was monitored in situ by SC-XRD (from 25 to 400°C) and by XAFS (from 25 to 650°C). Upon heating the structure transformed to three different topologies: B phase, D’ phase, observed here for the first time, and D phase. The unit-cell volume contracted from 4392.85(14) at room temperature to 3644.4(4) Å3, measured at 400°C. Possible Ag+ to Ag0 reduction could be excluded although the formation of Ag+-Ag+ clusters could not be unambiguously ruled out.