Abstract
Zeolites possess excellent ion exchange capabilities, so that it is easy to synthesize Ag-zeolite (AgxAlxSi1−xO2) using an AgNO3 aqueous solution. When this Ag type zeolite is irradiated with a high energy electron beam of several hundred keV in a TEM, the chemical bonds in the zeolite crystal are broken and the crystal eventually becomes amorphous. (L. A. Bursill, E. A. Lodge and J. M. Thomas: Nature 286 (1980) 111–113.) We have found that ordered clusters of Ag atoms are formed in the amorphous region during this process. It is anticipated that quantum effects will appear in this material. (Y. Nozue, T. Kodaira and T. Goto: Phys. Rev. Lett. 68 (1992) 3789.)
