Structural Aspects of the Superionic Conduction Mechanism in Ag-GeSe3 Glasses

Abstract

Abstract The local and intermediate-range atomic structure in the Ag ion conducting glasses Ag x (GeSe3)1−x with x = 0.15 and 0.50 has been investigated by Anomalous X-Ray Scattering experiments at the K absorption edges of each constituent element. This method can provide insight into the structural properties enabling the effect of superionic conductivity for compositions with x > 0.33 in the amorphous phase. The experimental results were analyzed with Reverse Monte Carlo modeling, providing the partial structure factors and the corresponding partial pair-distribution functions. Evidence is found for a high level of intermediate range order for low silver concentrations, whereas the superionic conducting phase formed at high silver concentrations is characterized by cluster-like configurations of Ag atoms on a nanometer scale.