Influence of Y2O3 on structural and optical properties of SiO2–BaO–ZnO–xB2O3–(10−x) Y2O3 glasses and glass ceramics

SiO2–BaO–ZnO–xB2O3–(10−x) Y2O3, (0 ≤ x ≤ 10) glasses are synthesized. The effect of Y2O3 on the structural and optical properties of glasses has been investigated using different characterization techniques. The results are discussed in light of non-bridging oxygens (NBO), optical basicity and heat-treatment of glasses. The band gap has been calculated for as cast and heat-treated glasses. The band gap energy is found to decrease with the increasing content of Y2O3 in the glasses and heat-treatment. The presence of the crystalline phase in the glass matrix showed remarkable effect on band gap which decreases to semiconducting range.

Research Highlights
► SiO2 – BaO – ZnO – xB2O3 – (10-x) Y2O3 , (0≤x≤10) glasses are synthesized.
► The effect of Y2O3 on structural and optical properties of glasses has been investigated.
► The band gap is found to decrease with the increasing content of Y2O3 in the glasses.
► The presence of crystalline phase in the glass matrix showed remarkable effect on band gap.