X-ray absorption near edge structure investigation of iron–sodium silicate glasses

X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy has been used at the O K and Fe L2,3 edges to investigate the electronic and atomic structure of (Fe2O3)x(Na2O)0.30(SiO2)0.70 − x (x < 0.2) obtained by melt-quench technique. The Fe L2,3 edge spectra show that the Fe atoms are in octahedral coordination. The O K edge spectra reveal no change in coordination of Fe and increased degree of hybridization between O 2p and Fe 3d orbitals with iron doping. It is estimated that about 10% Fe2+ and 90% Fe3+ are in these glasses by peak fitting analysis of Fe L3 edge. The ligand-field splitting of Fe 3d orbital is about 1.6 eV.

► Fe atoms in iron–sodium silicate glasses are in octahedral coordination.
► There is no significant change in coordination of Fe as Fe2O3 Substitutes for SiO2.
► About 10% Fe2+ and 90% Fe3+ present in these glasses.
► The ligand-field splitting of Fe 3d orbital is about 1.6 eV.
► Hybridization between O 2p and Fe 3d orbitals increases with iron doping.