Influence of AgCl Doping on Physical, Optical and Electrical Properties of Lithium-Borate Glasses

Objectives: In order to investigate physical, optical, and conductivity properties, glasses were prepared with the composition (59-x) B2O3-25Li2O-15CaF2-1V2O5-xAgCl (x = 0-1.6 mol%, step 0.4). Methods: The glasses were prepared via melt quenching procedure at 1323 K. The glassy (non-crystalline) nature of the prepared samples was affirmed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The physical characteristics, including molar volume (Vm) and density (ρg), were computed at room temperature. By building Tauc's plots using UV-Vis. absorption, it was possible to determine the direct and indirect optical energy band gaps. Findings: The density rose from 2.426 to 2.493 g/cm3, while the molar volume declined slightly from 25.585 - 25.366 cm3/mol with AgCl addition. XRD confirmed the amorphous nature, optical analysis revealed a reduction in direct and indirect band gaps, with a slight increase at 1.6 mol% AgCl doping. This narrowing is attributed to structural modifications by AgCl nanoparticles, enhancing electron localization and donor centers in the glass network. Dielectric and AC conductivity measurements showed an enhancement in σac from 2.328×10-6 to 4.375×10-6 Ω-1m-1. Novelty: The investigation of optical properties and electrical conductivity in novel alkali-borate glasses doped with AgCl nanoparticles demonstrates improved conductivity and optical performance, highlighting their potential for optoelectronic applications. Keywords: Borate glasses, Ag-NPs, Band-gaps, Dielectric properties, AC conductivity