Formation of semiconductor clusters in zeolites

CdS and ZnS particles were synthesised inside some synthetic and natural zeolite frameworks by treating the calcined Cd2+ or Zn2+ ion exchanged forms with 1 molar aqueous solution of Na2S. The absorption and photoluminescence emission spectra suggest that clusters interconnect to form well-defined aggregates with a behaviour intermediate between that of discrete clusters and the bulk semiconductor. The dynamics and the optical absorption are strongly influenced by the interface and host.