On the peculiarities of positron annihilation features in silicalite-1 and Y-zeolites

Abstract Conditions that facilitate high Ps formation and interactions that modify the o-Ps lifetime were investigated by positron annihilation techniques in silicalite-1 and various Y-zeolites. Long lifetimes, up to 135 ns, and o-Ps fractions as high as 40% were found. The influence of heat treatment (in the range of 90–520 K), capillary condensation of N 2 (0.085 MPa) and correlation with water removal was examined in Y-zeolites and in silicalite-1, respectively. The latter matrix was also studied in the presence of liquids. In various samples unexpected features were found (peculiar changes in the 2γ/3γ ratio, inversion in the trend of lifetime variations, disappearance of specific components, etc.), denoting the complexity of the processes governing the fate of e + and Ps.