Encapsulation of lead sulfide molecular clusters into solid matrixes. Structural analysis with x-ray absorption spectroscopy

Abstract

Molecular-size PbS species have been stabilized in the open-pore structure of zeolite Y and mordenite via ion exchange with Pb(II) and subsequent treatment with H{sub 2}S at 295 K. Detailed analysis of synchrotron x-ray absorption data of the Pb L{sub III}-edge shows that intrazeolite PbO{sub 2}(O{sub z} = zeolite oxygen) species in zeolite Y react with H{sub 2}S to form monomolecular S{sub 2}Pb(I{sub z}){sub 3} species that are still anchored to the zeolite framework. The intrazeolite PbS phase appears to be more ordered at high loading levels of lead in zeolite Y than at low loading levels. The coordination of Pb(II) and the structure of PbS in the mordenite host is less ordered but basically very similar to that of the monomolecular species in Y. Optical absorption data for these samples agree very well with the structural EXAFS results. Larger PbS clusters have been stabilized in 85% ethylene-15% methacrylic acid copolymer films by a similar preparation procedure. EXAFS data indicate that the reaction forms PbS clusters with several Pb coordination shells and that the conversion of PbS is a function of Pb(II) loading levels. 23 refs., 9 figs., 3 tabs.