The structure and conductivity of binary and ternary glasses (b 2o 3) 1- x- y(Li 2O) x(Li 2Cl 2) y

Abstract

The ionic conductivity of the glasses of the type (B2O3)1-x(Li2O)x and (B2O3)1-x-y(Li2O)x (Li2Cl2)y, has been investigated. In order to understand the superionic properties of these glasses, several experimental techniques have been employed. We present experimental results of density measurements, differential scanning calorimetry, ionic thermocurrents (ITC) and dielectric loss measurements in the frequency range 100–30000 Hz. It appears that the activation energy of the ionic conductivity decreases with increasing Li2O content. The addition of LiCl probably does not influence the glass structure, which will be discussed in some detail. The presence of LiCl in lithium borate glasses, however, causes a drastic increase of the ionic conductivity, which cannot be accounted for by the increased number of charge carriers only. Also the activation energy associated with the conductivity of Li+ ions is reduced by the presence of Cl− ions.