Uniform arrays of intrazeolite germanium nanoclusters have been produc
ed by the topotactic chemical vapor deposition of digermane within the
diamond network of alpha-cages of acid zeolite Y and the main channel
of mordenite. The conditions within the zeolite hosts ensure that the
Ge2H2 CVD-type anchored precursors self-assemble to produce the ancho
red (Ge8)n+ nanoclusters shown in the Figure.