Modification in structural and optical properties of CeO2 doped BaO–B2O3 glasses

BaO–B2O3 glasses containing different concentrations of CeO2 (ranging from 0 to 10 mol%) is prepared. It has been shown from X-ray diffraction that these samples have amorphous nature. UV–Visible spectroscopic studies reveal the presence of Ce4+ groups of cerium. Infrared spectroscopic measurements are carried out for the undoped and CeO2 doped samples which confirm the conversion of three fold borate BO3 to tetrahedral BO4 groups. The density of the glasses increases (2.81–3.43 g/cm3) with the addition of CeO2 in these glasses. The changes caused by the addition of CeO2 on the structure and optical properties of these glasses have been observed.

► Decrease of optical band gap energy shows the semiconducting behaviour.
► The presence of barium oxide helps for conversion of Ce3+ to Ce4+ ions.
► These glasses can use as good semiconductor materials for solid state applications.