Structural Characterization Of Zeolites Using Raman Scattering

We show that the frequencies of certain optically active lattice vibrational modes in a large number of zeolites can be used as direct structural probes. Mode frequencies are found to depend on the cosine of the T-O-T angle and the Si/Al ratio of the framework. The relationship between mode frequency and local framework structure is discussed in terms of a complete lattice dynamics calculation for specific zeolite structures as well as a lattice dynamical model of amorphous glasses.