Molecular dynamics simulation of ternary glasses Li2S–P2S5–LiI

The structure of superionic glasses in ternary systems x(0.4Li₂S–0.6P₂S₅)–(1 − x)LiI and x(0.5Li₂S–0.5P₂S₅)–(1 − x)LiI (x = 0.9, 0.75) has been studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The configurations obtained by MD were analyzed by graph theory. Phosphorus is surrounded by sulfur and iodine atoms. Li is surrounded by sulfurs alone and LiI clusters are not present as speculated by earlier spectroscopic reports. The equilibrium configuration is made up of (Li, S) and (P, S, I) rich regions which creates wide channels for Li⁺ movement. Reported variations of glass transition temperature (T_g) and ionic conductivity (σ) with LiI addition are explained based on the simulation results.     

Effect of Li2O on the heterogeneous structure of equi-molar lead borate glasses

Different glass samples in the Li₂O, PbO and B₂O₃ system have been prepared by melt quenching method. These glasses were classified in two groups such as 0.5 B₂O₃, (0.5 ? x) PbO, xLi₂O and (0.5 + y) B₂O₃; (0.25 ? y)PbO; 0.25Li₂O. The IR spectra almost show broad bands in the frequency range (800–1050) cm^?1 and (1100–1500) cm^?1, together with different weak bands over the range of investigation (2400–3000) cm^?1. The deconvolution analyses of these IR spectra reveals presence of multi structure arrangements from BO₄ and BO₃ groups, such as penta, tri, and diborates grouping together with meta; ortho borates as well as PbO_n groups. Partial replacement of PbO by Li₂O causes decrease in microhardness, a change which is attributed to the decrease in the concentration of ortho borate groups as is it revealed from the bands area analysis. The IR analysis shows also that the total concentration of (meta + ortho) borates is nearly constant while their individual concentrations is proportional depending on the relative concentration of PbO and Li₂O.     

EPR and optical studies of Mn2+ ions in Li2O–Na2O–B2O3 glasses – An evidence of mixed alkali effect

EPR and optical absorption spectra of 0.5 mol% MnO₂ doped xLi₂O–(30 − x)Na₂O–69.5B₂O₃ (5 ⩽ x ⩽ 25) glasses have been studied. The EPR spectra exhibit resonance signals characteristic of Mn²⁺ ions. The resonance signal at g ≅ 2.0 is due to Mn²⁺ ions in an environment close to octahedral symmetry, whereas the resonances at g ≅ 4.3 and g ≅ 3.3 are attributed to the rhombic surroundings of the Mn²⁺ ions. The ionic character (A), the number of spins participating in resonance (N), optical band gap energies (E_opt) and Urbach energies (ΔE) show the mixed alkali effect (MAE) with composition. The present study gives an indication that the size of alkalis we choose, is also an important contributing factor in showing the MAE. The variation of N with temperature obeys the Boltzmann law. The optical absorption spectra show a single broad band at ∼21 000 cm⁻¹ corresponding to the transition ⁶A_1g(S) → ⁴T_1g(G) which exhibits a blue shift with x. The theoretical values of optical basicity (Λ_th) have also been evaluated.     

EPR and magnetic susceptibility studies of B2O3–Bi2O3–Gd2O3 glasses

Glasses of the xGd₂O₃ · (100 − x)[B₂O₃ · Bi₂O₃] system with 0.5 ⩽ x ⩽ 10 mol% were studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Data obtained show that for low gadolinium oxide contents of the samples (x ⩽ 3 mol%) the Gd³⁺ ions are randomly distributed in the host glass matrix and are present as isolated and dipole–dipole coupled species. For higher gadolinium oxide contents of the samples (x > 3 mol%) the Gd³⁺ ions appear as both isolated and antiferromagnetically coupled species. The EPR spectra of the glasses reveal resonance sites with an unexpected high crystalline field in addition to the ‘U’ spectrum, typical for Gd³⁺ ions in disordered systems. This absorption line is due to Gd³⁺ ions that replace Bi³⁺ ions from the host glass matrix and could play the network unconventional former role in the studied glasses.     

Ion transport studies in CuI-doped silver borovanadate glassy system

In the present report, ionic transport properties and microstructural investigations of superionic materials in a cost-effective glassy system xCuI–(100 ? x)[2Ag₂O–0.7V₂O₅–0.3B₂O₃], where x = 30, 40, 45, 50 and 60, have been described. The temperature dependent electrical conductivity studies were carried out by ac impedance analysis. The microstructure of the materials studied by SEM indicated the presence of dispersed CuO and AgI micro-crystals in the silver oxysalt glass matrix. High room temperature electrical conductivity of 3.58 × 10^?3 S cm^?1 and low activation energy of 0.24 eV were obtained for the best conducting composition. The ac impedance data were analyzed using impedance and modulus formalisms. These materials show extremely high t_i value of 0.999 and the ionic conductivity is apparently due to Ag⁺ ions only. The use of two glass formers helped to form materials with higher T_g, higher thermal stability and better ionic transport properties.     

Electrical properties of SrBi2(Nb0.7V0.3)2O9−δ in the SrO–Bi2O3–0.7Nb2O5–0.3V2O5–Li2B4O7 glass system

Glasses in the system (100 − x)Li₂B₄O₇–x(SrO–Bi₂O₃–0.7Nb₂O₅–0.3V₂O₅) (where x = 10, 30 and 50, in molar ratio) were fabricated via melt quenching technique. The compositional dependence of the glass transition (T_g) and crystallization (T_cr) temperatures was determined by differential thermal analysis. The as-quenched glasses on heat-treatment at 783 K for 6 h yielded monophasic crystalline strontium bismuth niobate doped with vanadium (SrBi₂(Nb_0.7V_0.3)₂O_9−δ (SBVN)) in lithium borate (Li₂B₄O₇ (LBO)) glass matrix. The formation of nanocrystalline layered perovskite SBVN phase was preceded by the fluorite phase as established by both the X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The dielectric constants for both the as-quenched glass and glass–nanocrystal composite increased with increasing temperature in the 300–873 K range, exhibiting a maximum in the vicinity of the crystallization temperature of the host glass matrix. The electrical behavior of the glasses and glass–nanocrystal composites was characterized using impedance spectroscopy.     

Square-wave voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy in iron-doped melts of the system Li2O/Al2O3/SiO2

Glass melts with the basic compositions xLi₂O · 15Al₂O₃ · (85 − x)SiO₂ (x = 8.5, 11, 13.5, 16 and 18.5) doped with 0.25 mol% Fe₂O₃ were studied by square-wave voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy at temperatures in the range from 1100 to 1600 °C. The square-wave voltammograms show a pronounced peak attributed to the reduction of Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺. The attributed peak potentials which are equal to the standard potentials of the redox pair decrease linearly with the temperature. Impedance spectra measured could be simulated using an equivalent circuit attributed to a simple electron transfer reaction controlled by diffusion.     

Fast ion conducting phosphate glasses and glass ceramic composites: Promising materials for solid state batteries

Fast ion conducting (FIC) phosphate glasses and glass ceramic composites have gained considerable importance due to their potential applications in the fabrication of solid-state batteries and other electrochemical devices. We, therefore, present an overview on various types of FIC glasses and glass ceramic composites. Silver phosphate glasses doped with different weight percent of lithium chloride (1, 5, 10 and 15 wt.%) were synthesized by melt quenching technique. The Ag₂O–P₂O₅–(15 wt.%) LiCl glass exhibited the maximum electrical conductivity (σ = 8.91 × 10^? 5 S cm^? 1 at room temperature and 4.16 × 10^? 3 S cm^? 1 at 200 °C). Using this glass as an amorphous host material, glass–ceramic composites of Ag₂O–P₂O₅–(15 wt.%) LiCl:xAl₂O₃ (x = 5–50 wt.%) were prepared. The ionic transference number, electrical conductivity, ionic mobility and carrier ion concentration of the synthesized samples were measured. Ag₂O–P₂O₅–(15 wt.%) LiCl:(25 wt.%) Al₂O₃ composite system exhibited the maximum σ value (σ = 3.32 × 10^? 4 S cm^? 1 at room temperature and 2.88 × 10^? 2 S cm^? 1 at 200 °C ). Solid‐state batteries using undoped Ag₂O–P₂O₅ glass, Ag₂O–P₂O₅–(15 wt.%) LiCl glass and glass ceramic composite containing 25 wt.% Al₂O₃ as electrolytes were fabricated. The open circuit voltage (OCV) values and discharge time of these cells were measured and compared. It is found that the glass ceramic composites show enhanced ionic conduction, better OCV value and discharge characteristics.     

Evolution of nanocrystalline BaBi2Nb2O9 in Li2B4O7–BaO–Bi2O3–Nb2O5 glass system

Transparent glasses and glass nano crystal composites (GNCs) of various compositions in the system (100 − x)Li₂B₄O₇–x(BaO–Bi₂O₃–Nb₂O₅) (where x = 10, 20, and 30 in molar ratio) were fabricated via splat-quenching technique. The glassy nature of the as-quenched samples was established by differential thermal analyses. X-ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies confirmed the formation of layered perovskite BBN via a fluorite like phase. TEM studies revealed the presence of 10 nm sized spherical crystallites of fluorite like BaBi₂Nb₂O₉ phase in the glassy matrix of Li₂B₄O₇ (LBO). The influence of composition on the dielectric and the optical properties (transmission, optical band gap) of these samples has been investigated.     

Ion transport through LiCoO2/(Li2O)x · (B2O3) thin-film bi-layers

e-Gun deposited bi-layer structures of LiCoO₂/(Li₂O)_x · (B₂O₃) cathode material and solid electrolyte have been investigated by SEM and impedance spectroscopy. The crystallinity of the substrates, on which the structures are deposited, influences the extent of crystallization, and consequently the ionic conductivity, of the electrolyte layer. Comparison of impedance spectra between bi-layers and electrolyte single layers indicates that the total ionic conductivity of the electrolyte in the bi-layer is decreased with respect to the single layer, due to higher crystallization.     

Mixed transition-ion effect in the glass system: Fe2O3-MnO-TeO2

In earlier studies on phosphate and tellurite glasses containing vanadium and iron oxides, non-linear variation of physical properties as functions of the ratios of the transition ions (V/V + Fe) were observed. The most striking effect was observed with electrical conductivity, where a 3 orders of magnitude reduction in conductivity was observed at a V/V + Fe ratio of ~ 0.4. The effect was termed Mixed Transition-ion Effect or MTE. In phosphate glasses, however, MTE was not observed when one of the transition ions was manganese. It was concluded that Mn does not contribute to conduction in these glasses. In the present study, we demonstrate a mixed transition ion effect in tellurite glasses containing MnO and Fe₂O₃ (xFe₂O₃(0.2 ? x) MnO0.8TeO₂ with x varying from 0 to 0.2). A maximum in the property at an intermediate composition (x = 8.5 mol%), was observed in DC resistivity, activation energy, molar volume etc. Mossbauer and optical absorption (UV–VIS–NIR) measurements were performed on these glasses and the transport mechanism has been identified to be hopping of small polarons between Fe^3 + (Mn^3 +) and Fe^2 + (Mn^2 +) sites.     

Properties and structure of (1 − x)Li2O–xNa2O–Al2O3–4SiO2 glass systems

(1 − x)Li₂O–xNa₂O–Al₂O₃–4SiO₂ glasses were studied for the progressive percentage substitution of Na₂O for Li₂O at the constant mole of Al₂O₃ and SiO₂. The crystallization temperature at the exothermic peak increased from 898 to 939 °C when the Na₂O content increases from 0 to 0.6 mol. The coefficient of thermal expansion and density of these as-quenched glasses increase from 6.54 × 10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹ to 10.1 × 10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹ and 2.378 g cm⁻³ to 2.533 g cm⁻³ when the Na₂O content increases from 0 to 0.4 mol, respectively. The electrical resistivity has a maximum value at Na₂O · (Li₂O + Na₂O)⁻¹ = 0.4. The activation energy of crystallization decreases from 444 to 284 kJ mol⁻¹ when the Na₂O content increased from 0 to 0.4 mol. Moreover, the activation energy increases from 284 kJ mol⁻¹ to 446 kJ mol⁻¹ when the Na₂O content increased from 0.4 to 0.6 mol. The FT-IR spectra show that the symmetric stretching mode of the SiO₄ tetrahedra (1035–1054 cm⁻¹) and AlO₄ octahedra (713–763 cm⁻¹) exhibiting that the network structure is built by SiO₄ tetrahedra and AlO₄.     

Neutron and X-ray scattering studies of Li2O–TeO2–V2O5 glasses

Neutron and X-ray scattering studies of (Li₂O)_x–(TeO₂)₂–V₂O₅ glasses with x = 0, 1 and 2, obtained by melting and subsequent cooling in air to room temperature, have been performed. Reciprocal space data have been Fourier transformed into real space yielding the radial distribution functions. Nearest and next neighbor peaks have been analyzed using a least-squares fitting method which suggests the presence of both TeO₃ and TeO₄ coordination polyhedra, the fivefold coordination of lithium and mixture of 6, 5 and 4 coordination numbers of vanadium. These results are discussed in relation to the electronic and ionic conductivity properties.     

Structure and properties of the 70Li2S · (30 − x)P2S5 · xP2O5 oxysulfide glasses and glass–ceramics

The 70Li₂S · (30 ? x)P₂S₅ · xP₂O₅ (mol%) oxysulfide glasses were prepared by the melt quenching method. The glasses were prepared in the composition range 0 ≦ x ≦ 10. The glass–ceramics were prepared by heating the glasses over crystallization temperatures. The PO_nS_3?n (n = 1–3) oxysulfide units were produced in the glasses and glass–ceramics by partial substituting P₂O₅ for P₂S₅. In particular, the P₂OS₆^4? unit would be produced by substituting a small amount of P₂O₅ for P₂S₅. The oxygen atoms were incorporated into the Li₇P₃S₁₁ crystal structure because the diffraction peaks of the oxysulfide glass–ceramic shifted to the higher angle side. The glass–ceramic with 3 mol% of P₂O₅ exhibited the highest conductivity of 3.0 × 10^?3 S cm^?1 and the lowest activation energy for conduction of 16 kJ mol^?1. The P₂OS₆^4? dimer units in the oxygen-incorporated Li₇P₃S₁₁ crystal would improve conductive behavior of the Li₂S–P₂S₅ glass–ceramics.     

Preparation and ionic conductivity of transparent glass−ceramics containing a large quantity of lithium−mica

In order to crystallize a large quantity of the lithium?mica in glass?ceramics, 5.1 mass% MgF₂ was added to the starting materials of the parent glasses having chemical compositions of Li_(1+x)Mg₃AlSi_3(1+x)O_10+6.5xF₂ (x = 0.5 and 1.0). Transparent glass?ceramics, in which a large quantity of lithium?mica with particle size of <50 nm was separated, could be prepared from the MgF₂-added parent glass with x = 0.5. While the parent glass, which had a binodal phase separation structure, did not exhibit electrical conductivity, the transparent glass–ceramic was given conductivity by the formation of an interlocking structure of mica. As the separated mica formed a tighter interlocking structure, the conductivity increased and reached a value of 2.0 × 10^?3 S/cm at 600 °C. The MgF₂-added parent glass with x = 1.0 was not transparent because of coarse spinodal phase separation. The conductivity was 4.3 × 10^?4 S/cm at 600 °C but was significantly decreased by the separation of mica.     

Characterization of B2O3 and/or WO3 containing tellurite glasses

Characterization of B₂O₃ and/or WO₃ containing tellurite glasses was realized in the 0.80TeO₂–(0.20 ? x)WO₃ ? xB₂O₃ system (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.20 in molar ratio) by using differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry techniques. Glasses were prepared with a conventional melt-quenching technique at 750 °C. To recognize the thermal behavior of the glasses, glass transition and crystallization temperatures, glass stability value, glass transition activation energy, fragility parameter were calculated from the thermal analyses. Density, molar volume, oxygen molar volume and oxygen packing density values were determined to investigate the physical properties of glasses. Fourier transform infrared spectra were interpreted in terms of the structural transformations on the glass network, according to the changing B₂O₃ and/or WO₃ content. Crystallization behavior of the glasses was investigated by in situ X-ray diffraction measurements and microstructural characterization was realized by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry analyses.     

Preparation of lithium ion conducting glasses and glass–ceramics for all-solid-state batteries

Highly lithium ion conducting glasses and glass–ceramics were prepared by a mechanical milling technique in the Li₂S-based sulfide and oxysulfide systems. The Li₂S–P₂S₅ glass–ceramics showed ionic conductivity as high as 3.2 × 10^?3 S cm^?1 at room temperature. All-solid-state batteries using these sulfide-based materials as a solid electrolyte showed excellent charge–discharge performance with high capacity and high cycleability. The cells with the combination of the SnS–P₂S₅ glassy electrode and the Li₂S–P₂S₅ glass–ceramic electrolyte worked as a secondary battery, which was a first step of glassy monolithic cells with a common glass network.     

Low temperature dielectric dispersion and electrical conductivity studies on Fe2O3 mixed lithium yttrium silicate glasses

Lithium yttrium silicate glasses mixed with different concentrations of Fe₂O₃ of the composition (40 ? x) Li₂O–10Y₂O₃–50SiO₂: x Fe₂O₃, with x = 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2 and 1.5 (all in mol%) were synthesized. Electrical and dielectric properties including dielectric constant, ε′(ω), loss, tan δ, ac conductivity, σ_ac, impedance spectra as well as electric moduli, M(ω), over a wide continuous frequency range of 40 Hz to 10⁶ Hz and in the low temperature range 100 to 360 K were measured as a function of the concentration of Fe₂O₃. The dc conductivity is also evaluated in the temperature range 100 … 360 K. The temperature and frequency dispersions of dielectric constant as well as dielectric loss have been analyzed using space charge polarization model. The ac and dc conductivities have exhibited increasing trend with increasing Fe₂O₃ content beyond 0.5 mol%, whereas the activation energy for the conductivity demonstrated decreasing tendency in this dopant concentration range. Both quantum mechanical tunneling (QMT) and correlated barrier hopping models (CBH) were used for clarification of ac conductivity origin and the corresponding analysis has indicated that CBH model is more appropriate for this glass system. For the better understanding of relaxation dynamics of the electrical properties we have drawn the scaling plots for ac conductivity and also electric moduli. The plots indicated that the relaxation dynamics is independent on temperature but depends on concentration of Fe₂O₃. The dc conductivity is analyzed using small polaron hoping model. The increase of conductivity with the concentration of Fe₂O₃ beyond 0.5 mol% is explained in terms of variations in the redox ratio of iron ions in the glass network. The results were further analyzed quantitatively with the support of experimental data from IR, optical absorption and ESR spectral studies. The overall analysis has indicated that Li₂O–Y₂O₃–SiO₂ glasses containing more than 0.5 mol% of Fe₂O₃ are more suitable for achieving good electrical conductivity in these glasses.     

Spectral studies of Sm3+ and Dy3+ doped lithium cesium mixed alkali borate glasses

The effect of host glass composition on the optical absorption and fluorescence spectra of Sm³⁺ and Dy³⁺ has been studied in mixed alkali borate glasses of the type 67B₂O₃ · xLi₂O · (32 − x)Cs₂O (x = 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24). The Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters (Ω₂, Ω₄ and Ω₆) are calculated. The radiative transition probabilities (A), radiative lifetimes (τ_R), branching ratios (β) and integrated absorption cross-sections (Σ) are computed for certain excited states of Sm³⁺ and Dy³⁺ ions for different x values in the glass matrix. Stimulated emission cross-sections (σ_p) are obtained for certain emission transitions of two ions in these mixed alkali borate glasses. These parameters are compared for different x values in the glass matrix. Variation of these parameters with x in the glass matrix has been studied.