Structural and transport properties of quaternary glass system: LiF–Li2O–SrO–Bi2O3

Bismuth based glasses containing LiF, Li2O and SrO were investigated by different physical, spectroscopic and transport techniques. The results show that density of the glass system increases whereas glass transition temperature decreases with increase in LiF content. The decrease in glass transition temperature is attributed to the entry of the fluoride ions into the glass network mainly substitutionally in place of oxygen ion. The increase in dc electrical conductivity in the present glasses with increase in the fluorine ions is due to the mixed contribution of the positively charged lithium cations throughout the glass network and the negatively charged fluorine, which may act as impurity and/or as terminal non-bridging halide ion. Infrared and Raman spectroscopic results indicate that the glass network consists of BiO6 octahedral and BiO3 pyramidal units.

Research highlights
► The density of the present glasses increases with LiF content.
► The decrease in Tg is attributed to the entry of the fluoride ions into the glass network.
► The increase in conductivity is due to the mixed contribution of lithium cations and fluorine.
► Infrared and Raman spectroscopic results indicate that the glass network consists of BiO6 octahedral and BiO3 pyramidal units.