Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 February 2011
In this paper we demonstrate the usefulness of a nearest neighbor force model for studying the structural dependence of the lattice dynamics of zeolites. Interpreting Raman scattering in the context of this model confirms earlier empirical vibrational assignments in zeolites and underlines the importance of short range forces in determining the frequencies of certain zeolite vibrational modes. The model describes fully the low frequency bond bending mode of A1 symmetry, although long range forces are shown to be required to model complete zeolite vibrational spectra.