Synthesis and characterization of M2O–MgO–WO3–P2O5 (M = K, Rb, Cs) glass system

Transparent glasses of the composition M2O–MgO–WO3–P2O5 (M = K, Rb, Cs), corresponding to the crystalline phases of M2MgWO2(PO4)2, have been prepared and studied by Raman and IR spectroscopy as well as DTA. Moreover, the thermally stimulated depolarization and dc conductivity have been measured. The glass transition temperature is 797, 795 and 773 K for the K-, Rb- and Cs-containing glass, respectively. Raman and IR studies have shown that these glasses have very similar structure. The main building blocks are pyrophosphate groups, WO6 octahedra and magnesium–oxygen polyhedra. The dc conduction in these glasses is controlled by hopping of small polarons. The potassium containing glass was shown to be very stable whereas the rubidium and cesium glasses have significantly higher tendency for crystallization and phase separation. It seems, therefore, that the potassium containing glass is a suitable material for the preparation of samples containing non-linear and ferroelectric nanocrystals of the K2MgWO2(PO4)2 phosphate.