Synthesis Of Glasses Research Articles

Studies on Synthesis, Physical and Optical Properties of Dysprosium Ion-Doped Transparent Heavy Metal Oxide Glasses

The melt quench method was used to synthesize Dysprosium ions doped heavy metal oxide glasses of composition 50%TeO2–(30-x)%B2O3-10%Bi2O3–10%Na2O–x%Dy2O3(mol%) (x= 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8). The proof of glassy nature of prepared samples is substantiated by the X-ray diffractogram (XRD). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is carried to obtain the value of glass transition temperature (Tg). Physical parameters such as polaron radius, density, inter-ions distance, lanthanide ion concentration and oxygen packing density (OPD) were calculated. Tauc’s plot is drawn to get information of energy band gap and hence refractive index. The distinctive absorption bands of dysprosium ions exist at 320, 348, 365, 387, 794, and 882 nm. The energy transitions from the 6H15/2 level to various higher levels of dysprosium ions are responsible for the UV-VIS-NIR absorption spectra. Using emissions monitoring at 576 nm, the excitation spectra was obtained between 200 and 550 nm. The 6H15/2→4I13/2, 4G11/2, 4I15/2, and 4F9/2 transitions were identified as the sources of the excitation bands at 390, 426, 452 and 470 nm, respectively. Notable bands of emission were observed when stimulated at 447 nm for 485, 575, 662, and 756 nm wavelengths it is due to the energy transfer from 4F9/2→6H15/2, 4F9/2→6H13/2, 4F9/2→6H11/2, and 4F9/2→6H9/2, 6F11/2. It was found the light emission from the samples was white.

Synthesis, morphology and optical properties of the luminescent phosphate-molybdate glasses of the P2O5-MoO3-Bi2O3-K2O-EuPO4 system

The study deals with synthesis, structure and optical properties of the phosphate glasses of the composition (1-x) *(44.37P2O5 - 8.32MoO3 -2.94Bi2O3 - 44.37K2O) - xEuPO4 (where x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 5.0 mol. %). The structure, morphology, and optical properties of the glasses have been observed and analyzed with the use of the XRD, SEM, light diffuse reflection, and luminescent methods. It was found that the glasses doped with EuPO4 crystalline particles reveal intensive photoluminescence mainly caused by the 5D0->7FJ (J = 1 – 4) radiation transitions in the Eu3+ ions. Molybdenum (VI) and bismuth (III) oxides modify a vitreous network and can provide wide light absorption bands in the spectral range ~300 – 430 nm and low intensity luminescence bands in the range 300 – 525 nm, too. Based on a comparison of the spectral characteristics of the radiation of Eu3+ ions luminescence in EuPO4 crystals and manufactured glasses, it was assumed that the initial EuPO4 particles do not dissolve completely under melting and are present in the manufactured glasses as nanoparticles of small (several nanometers) size. The obtained results indicates that the glasses under study can be used for elaboration of “warm light” emitting devices.

General and Versatile Nanoarchitectonics for Amino Acid-Based Glasses via Co-Assembly of Organic Counterions.

Amino acid-based biomolecular glasses represent an emerging material to meet the demand for sustainable development. However, most amino acids are difficult to vitrify due to their strong crystallization tendency, limiting further advancements of this field. In this study, we demonstrate that the introduction of counterions effectively suppresses crystallization, as hydrogen bonds within the system stabilize the disordered structures. Based on this, we propose a counterion co-assembly strategy to synthesize a wide range of amino acid-based glasses. This strategy enables the facile fabrication of glass with customizable shapes, high mechanical rigidity, and tunable multicolor fluorescence, ranging from blue to red depending on the excitation wavelength. Furthermore, this strategy allows the integration and enhancement of counterion properties within the glass matrix. Through the co-assembly of phosphorescent counterions, we synthesized a series of long-persistent luminescent glasses with significantly extended afterglow lifetimes. This work presents an effective approach for the synthesis of amino acid-based glasses and provides insights into the development of supramolecular glasses with tailored functionalities.

ТЕОРЕТИЧЕСКИЕ И ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ОСНОВЫ ПРОЦЕССОВ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ МИКРОСТРУКТУРЫ ПЕНОСТЕКЛА С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ ВТОРИЧНОГО МИНЕРАЛЬНОГО СЫРЬЯ

Increasing the strength of foam glass to values sufficient for using it not only as a heat-insulating but also a structural material will significantly expand the scope of its application and reduce the material intensity of construction. The solution is possible due to the formation of a controlled and predictable heterogeneous amorphous-crystalline structure. The effect of the crystalline phase on the structure and strength of foam glass is contradictory and requires significant attention. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account the already obtained research results on reducing the cost of the material due to the use of waste. However, the composition of waste from various landfills varies, so a universal methodology for the development of materials is needed. A unified methodology is proposed that allows solving the problem of designing new materials using waste of various compositions, special attention is paid to the problem of synthesizing the composition of the initial batch and the temperature-time mode of foam glass synthesis. To confirm the proposed methodology, the material was developed using the example of ash and slag mixture of the TPP in Novocherkassk. The obtained foam glass samples and the research results were used to establish the features of the processes of formation of the foam glass microstructure using the regression analysis method.

Synthesis and Spectral-Luminescent Properties of Sodium-Modified Bismuth Germanate Glasses

Synthesis and Spectral-Luminescent Properties of Sodium-Modified Bismuth Germanate Glasses

Synthesis and characterization of erbium silica glass and glass-ceramics for potential low-emissivity coating applications

Silica glasses co-doped with varying concentrations of Er3+ (0.8, 1.5, 4, and 8 mol %) were fabricated employing the sol-gel technique. The effects of erbium concentration were evaluated through several characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–visible transmission spectroscopy, and photoluminescence analysis. The incorporation of erbium ions significantly altered the structural, optical, and photoluminescence properties of the doped glasses. XRD analysis revealed the presence of SiO2 in both tetragonal and hexagonal forms, along with Er2SiO5 crystalline phases. SEM images showed irregular rod-shaped structures with agglomeration and micro-flake cubic shapes. FTIR spectroscopy provided insights into the structural characteristics of the materials. Notably, the optical band gap energy of the glassy films increased, accompanied by fluctuating Urbach energy and a slight reduction in the refractive index, attributed to structural changes within the glass network. Photoluminescence spectra indicated strong emissions at 523 and 543 nm, corresponding to the transitions 2H11/2 → 4I15/2 and 4S3/2 → 4I15/2, respectively. Additionally, a notable near-infrared emission at 1532 nm was observed, linked to the transition 4I13/2 → 4I15/2. The color coordinates of the produced glasses were found to be near the green or yellow regions, suggesting potential applications in optical amplifiers, lasers, and low-emissivity coatings.

Synthesis, physical, optical, and transmission properties of terbium oxide-reinforced quinary borate glasses for radiation protection

This study explores the synthesis and characterization of borate glasses doped with varying concentrations of Terbium oxide (Tb4O7). Using the conventional melt-quench method, we investigated the effects of Tb4O7 on the physical, optical, gamma-ray shielding, and mechanical properties of the glass samples. Our findings indicate a significant increase in density with higher Tb4O7 content, attributed to the high molecular weight and density of Tb4O7. Optical properties assessed through UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed increased absorption intensity, a red shift in the absorption edge, and a decrease in the optical band gap, demonstrating enhanced optical absorption and refractive indices. Gamma-ray shielding effectiveness, evaluated using mass attenuation coefficients, half-value layers, and mean free paths, showed superior performance with higher Tb4O7 concentrations. The effective atomic number also increased, enhancing gamma-ray attenuation capabilities. Additionally, the elastic modulus of the glasses improved with higher Tb4O7 content, providing better mechanical stability. Our findings indicate that the density increased from 3.52 g/cm³ for undoped samples to 3.92 g/cm³ for the glass containing 2 mol% Tb4O7. Optical absorption measurements revealed a red shift in the absorption edge from 345.46 nm to 369.54 nm, with a corresponding decrease in the optical band gap from 3.48 eV to 3.18 eV. Gamma-ray shielding performance improved significantly, with the mass attenuation coefficient (GMAC) rising from 0.115 cm2/g to 0.162 cm2/g, while the half-value layer (GHVL) decreased from 3.22 cm to 2.86 cm. Additionally, the elastic modulus increased by 11.58 % as Tb4O7 content increased. These results suggest that Tb4O7-doped borate glasses significantly improve density, optical absorption, gamma-ray shielding, and mechanical strength. Finally, Increasing Tb4O7 content in borate glasses substantially enhances their multifunctional properties, making them suitable for advanced radiation shielding applications.

Crystallization and luminescence properties of stable CsPbBr3 Nanocrystals in Li2B4O7 glass

All-inorganic CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, and I) perovskite nanocrystals (NCs), have achieved unprecedented advances in opto-electronic applications. However, issues such as poor stability and the volatility of halides in the preparation process continue to hinder their practical applications. Here, lithium tetraborate (Li2B4O7) was chosen as the glass matrix to prepare CsPbBr3 NCs glasses through traditional melting-quenching and heat treatment processes, effectively reducing the glass synthesis temperature to 940 °C. The heat treatment temperature and duration are examined. The Li2B4O7 glass matrix exhibits a uniform structure and high transmittance and CsPbBr3 NCs precipitated uniformly after heat treatment. Among these glasses, the sample heat-treated at 510 °C for 5 h exhibited an optimal photoluminescence quantum yield of 76.1 % and the narrowest full width at half maximum values of 24 nm. Its photoluminescence intensity maintained 96.6 % of its original value after multiple thermal cycles and thermal shocks, demonstrating the sample's robust thermal stability. Finally, by integrating the CsPbBr3 NCs glass sample with a blue chip in simple device packaging, a green light-emitting diode was successfully fabricated, featuring excellent luminescence stability and a color purity of up to 96.4 %, promising for applications in solid-state lighting and display technologies.

Multifaceted biomedical applications of bismuth oxide-doped bioactive glass: Synthesis challenges, characterization and potential clinical implications

Herewith, the present work reports a facile synthesis method of Bi2O3 doped 70 SiO2.30CaO binary bioactive glass system termed as modified Bi-BG (acronymed as mBi-BG) that indicates successful incorporation of Bi3+ into the silicate glassy network, on prior complex formation of the precursor bismuth nitrate salt with acetyl acetone to address the rapid decomposition rate of precursor bismuth nitrate. The binary bioactive glass composition as above mentioned (70 SiO2.30CaO) is named as BG/Control. The synthesis methodology addresses inherent challenges encountered in traditional sol-gel derived bismuth oxide incorporated bioactive glass (Bi-BG) synthesis wherein yellow coloured bismuth oxide gets separated from the glassy network as confirmed by XRD phase analysis. Next, mBi-BG (modified Bi-BG) was synthesized via modifying the sol gel method by introducing a chelating agent acetyl acetone to stabilize the precursor Bi (NO3)3 salt, and was characterized using XRD, FTIR, FESEM-EDX. TG-DSC and BET isotherm. In vitro bioactivity studies illustrate the formation of hydroxyapatite crystals on mBi-BG surface indicating its potential for bone repair and regeneration. Additionally, mBi-BG exhibits significant effect against Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive) bacterial strain, highlighting its utility in preventing bacterial infections at surgical sites. Radiographic imaging of mBi-BG reveals excellent radiopacity comparable to human bone, rendering it suitable for image-guided surgeries and fluoroscopic procedures. In summary, mBi-BG emerges as a versatile biomaterial with enhanced bioactivity, antibacterial efficacy and radiopacity, thereby offering novel avenues in medical treatment modalities and patient care.

Heavy metal fluoride glasses: A tutorial review

Heavy metal fluoride glasses are the backbone of modern mid-infrared fiber technology. In the last few years, optical fibers made of fluorozirconate, fluoroaluminate, and fluoroindate glasses have reached the high level of reliability that is required for their widespread use in industrial and medical applications, which explains the rapid growth of this technology. In this tutorial review, the author, who was part of the team that discovered heavy metal fluoride glasses exactly fifty years ago, provides a summary of the glass synthesis process and elucidates the most important physical properties of heavy metal fluoride glasses. Finally, a brief overview of their main application areas is presented.

Impact of SnO2 doping on spectroscopic characteristics of the SnO2-Na2O-CoO-B2O3 borate glass matrix

The role of tin oxide (SnO2) on the structure-optical features of borate glasses containing low cobalt oxide impurities was studied. The study was carried out on a glass system [x SnO2 – (80-x) B2O3 – 19.5 Na2O – 0.5 CoO]; x = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 mol%. Glass synthesis was carried out by the melt-quench technique. Structure and optical absorption spectroscopy were carried out to explore the optical transitions of Co cations inside the present glass matrix. The obtained results indicate that, with the further addition of SnO2 content, the molar volume decreased from 31.675 cm3/mol to 29.147 cm3/mol. FTIR studies indicated the basic structural units of trigonal BO3 units and BO4 tetrahedra. Herein also, additional contents of tin oxide increased the nonbridging oxygen contents. The reason behind such increment is attributed to the existence of Sn4+ ions in octahedral coordination acting as network modifiers. Optical absorption spectra indicated the existence of Co ions in both Co2+ and Co3+ oxidation states. Moreover, the existence of significant SnO2 concurred with the significant blue shift in the visible absorption bands and red shift in near infrared absorption bands. The positions absorption bands of Co ions were analyzed in the context of ligand field parameters determinations. The obtained data of the crystal field splitting parameter (10Dqt) showed decreased values from 3451 cm−1 to 3364 cm−1 with more SnO2 addition. While Racah parameter B values were also, attained showing increased values from 967 cm−1 to 985 cm−1 when additional SnO2 is added. Further, the impacted role of SnO2 addition on the structural and optical properties of the present glasses was finally estimated.

French nuclear glass synthesis: Focus on liquid waste dissolution kinetics

In France, high-level nuclear wastes are confined in glass using a calcination-vitrification process. The waste can also be vitrified by liquid feeding, which imply to add directly the liquid waste. In this study, we focus on nuclear waste vitrification process by direct liquid feeding in order to decipher the dissolution kinetics of the waste in the molten glass. We propose an experimental and analytical protocol to study the dissolution in the solid glass frit of the liquid waste dried beforehand during the glass melting process. This methodology allows to: i) identify the intermediate reaction phases which formed and dissolved during the process; ii) characterizes the evolution of waste element concentrations in the dried waste as a function of time and temperature on glass obtained after cooling; iii) define kinetic parameters relative to the process of intermediate reaction phases dissolution in the molten glass. The three main intermediate reaction phases formed and dissolved in function of temperature are Ca-REE (Rare Earth Elements)- silicate, Ce- oxide and Zr- oxide. At each temperature step (800 to 1200 °C) the evolution of REE (La, Ce, Nd and Pr) and Zr concentrations in the glass samples obtained after cooling shows a fast increase followed by a stabilization in time, which reflects the fast dissolution of the dried waste in the molten glass, i.e. the fast dissolution of intermediate reaction phases. The molten glass is completely homogeneous at classical synthesis temperature (1200 °C). A parameterization methodology of element concentration evolution as a function of time and temperature is proposed here in order to define the kinetic parameters corresponding to the dried waste dissolution (i.e. concentration at a given time t, maximal concentration at a given temperature, characteristic time and activation energy). The results show that the activation related to the formation and dissolution processes of the intermediate reaction phases, i.e. whether they constitute intermediate compounds formed in temperature by the interaction between the dried waste and the glass frit, and the phases formed without reacting with the glass frit, directly in the dried waste during heat treatment.

Synthesis of new synthetic hybrid glasses using metallic nano-particles and rare-earth: Effect of plasmonic diluents

Borophosphate-based glass materials have the potential to revolutionize optical technology because of their outstanding optical properties, long-lasting nature, and cost-effectiveness. The present research addresses the intricate functions of rare earth and metallic nanoparticles (NPs) in borophosphate glass, which have significant potential for optical photonic and medical applications by incorporating Dy3+ ions and Cu NPs. We developed novel hybrid glasses through the melt-quenching technique, which includes the creation of functional groups and the establishment of bonds between P2O5 and B2O3, as confirmed by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. UV–visible absorption spectra were used to identify the presence of Cu⁺ and Cu (Saeed et al., 2021) [2]⁺ ions and Cu nanoparticles, with the absorption peaks indicating their respective states. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms of energy transfer in a glass matrix that is co-doped with dysprosium ions (Dy3+) have been studied. The experimental findings of this research not only provide valuable information about the physical properties of borophosphate glass but also emphasize the collaborative relationship between the rare-earth ion and copper nano-powders. The Tauc plot analysis demonstrated a correlation between the concentration of Cu and Dy dopants and a decrease in the energy band gap of the glass. This suggests that these dopants influence the electronic structure of the glass. This study opens up possibilities for creating innovative photonic materials with customized optical attributes.

Synthesis of Bulk-Nucleated Glass–Ceramics and Porous Glass–Ceramic Composites through Utilization of Fly Ashes

Coal combustion in power plants for electric power generation produces millions of tons of residues that are generally disposed of in landfills or ponds occupying vast land, resulting in serious environmental pollution. Fly ash (FA) is one of the main solid wastes generated in coal-based thermal power plants, representing the largest fraction of coal combustion residues (65–95%). Unfortunately, the enormous amount of FA residue is utilized only partly, mainly in the cement industry and building materials field. An alternative approach to using FA is its incorporation into ceramic, glass and glass–ceramic production, aligning with circular economy principles and reducing the environmental footprint of both the energy and ceramic sectors. In this review article, the topics of the composition, properties, classification, and utilization of fly ashes from thermal power plants are discussed. The main objective of this work is a critical analysis of the experimental trials directed to the involvement of FA as a raw material in the fabrication of glass–ceramics and porous ceramic composites.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Evaluation of Zinc and Boron Oxide-Modified Bioactive Glass for Dental Applications

Background: Dental Composites despite being the leading aesthetic direct restorative materials have a short life expectancy due to failure at tooth restoration interface. The restorative materials and techniques used in dentistry are not able to immediately remineralize nor protect demineralized dentin nor improve on the poorly resin-infiltrated hybrid layer.Objective: To characterize and assess the cellular viability of proprietary bioactive glass (BAG) modified with zinc oxide and boron oxide BAG, prepared through molten salt ion exchange method.Materials and Methods: Commercial available 45S5 bioactive glass (XL Sci-Tech.USA) was modified by adding zinc acetate and boric acid separately in 10 and 20 wt %. The powder was annelid at 400 °C for 1 h in a glass furnace. After drying the powder was sifted through 100 µm fine sieve. The XRD, FTIR, EDX and SEM of both commercial and experimentally modified BAG were carried out to characterize the powder before and after storage in SBF for 7 days. Cell vitality was assessed using MTT assay at three different concentrations (10µg/ml, 50µg/ml and 100µg/ml) in alpha MEM media from a stock solution of 10mg/ml.Results: SEM, EDX, XRD and FTIR confirmed hydroxyapatite after 7 day soaking in SBF. In vitro cell vitality was confirmed through MTT easy. Maximal cell vitality was shown at in 2ZA group (106.5%). While comparing the MTT easy results, multiple pair t-test were found to be statistically non-significant (P < .05).Conclusion: The present study molten salt ion exchange method successfully modified BAG. The modified BAG displayed enhanced bioactivity after 7 day soaking in SBF. MTT easy showed improve in-vitro cell vitality, with highest cell proliferation such that 2ZA >1BAwith1ZA>1BA. Keywords: Bioactive glass, Bioactivity, Boron Oxide, MTT easy, Surface modifications, Zinc Oxide

Nearly close-packed atomic arrangements in BaTi2O5 glass

Recent advancements in glass synthesis have led to the creation of novel oxide glasses without tetrahedral corner-sharing networks. Of particular interest are glasses with high atomic packing densities, showcasing improved functionalities. Conventional analyses revealed the presence of not only four-coordinated polyhedra but also five- or six-coordinated polyhedra, which are connected via corner-sharing, edge-sharing, or face-sharing linkages. This study adapted the reduced atomic arrangement (RAA) method to analyze densely packed oxide glasses. The RAA method revealed a near-close-packed structure within a 10 Å range throughout BaTi2O5 glass, with Ba2+ and O2− ions arranged accordingly. Moreover, the structural model derived from relaxing the closest-packed arrangement via molecular dynamics simulations faithfully replicated the X-ray diffraction data. These findings suggest that minor deviations from the closest-packed atomic arrangement can initiate glass formation without corner-sharing tetrahedral networks. The RAA method proves highly effective in understanding glass formation mechanisms in unconventional oxide glasses.

A sol-gel templating route for the synthesis of hierarchical porous calcium phosphate glasses containing zinc

Hierarchical porous phosphate-based glasses (PPG) have great potential in biomedicine. Micropores (pore size <2 nm) increase the surface area, mesopores (pore size 2–50 nm) facilitate the absorption and diffusion of therapeutic ions and molecules making them ideal controlled delivery systems, while macropores (pore size >50 nm) facilitate the movement and diffusion of cells and fluids. In addition, the bioresorbability of PPG allows for their complete solubility in body fluid, alongside simultaneous formation of new tissue. Making PPG via the traditional melt-quenching (MQ) synthesis method used for phosphate-based glasses (PG), is not straightforward. Hence, we present here a route for preparing such glasses using a combination of sol-gel (SG) and templating methods. Hierarchical PPG in the P2O5–CaO–Na2O system with the addition of 1, 3 and 5 mol % of Zn2+ were prepared with pore dimensions ranging from the micro-to the macro scales using Pluronic 123 (P123) as a surfactant. The presence of micropores (0.30–0.46 nm), mesopores (1.75–9.35nm) and macropores (163–207 nm) was assessed via synchrotron-based Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), with the presence of the latter two confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Structural characterisation performed using 31P solid state magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies shows the presence of Q2, Q1 and Q0 phosphate species with a predominance of Q1 species in all compositions. Dissolution studies in deionised (DI) water confirm that controlled release of phosphates, Ca2+, Na+ and Zn2+ is achieved over a period of 7 days. In particular, the release of Zn2+ is proportional to its loading, making its delivery particularly easy to control.

Structural, optical and luminescent properties of Tm3+-doped phosphate oxyfluoride glasses for blue emission solid state devices

In this work, the visible luminescence of P2O5-KF-Al2O3 glasses with Tm2O3 was studied. The Tm3+ ion can have a strong blue emission, which allows the development of LEDs in this color region. This study refers to the synthesis of oxyfluorophosphate glasses, 38P2O5+(50-x)KF+12Al2O3+xTm2O3 (PKAl:Tm), with x = 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 mol%, by the melt-quenching method. The prepared materials showed amorphous characteristics verified by XRD data. The absorption spectra shown six main bands characteristic of Tm3+ ions, from ground state 3H6 to excited levels 3F4, 3H4, 3H5, 3F3,2, 1G4 and 1D2, in which the intensities increased with the concentration of Tm2O3. In the FTIR spectra, it was verified that the profiles of the PKAl samples are similar to glasses based on phosphate systems. The Judd-Ofelt parameters were calculated, where for PKAl glasses the trend was Ω2>Ω4>Ω6. The excitation spectra of PKAl:Tm glasses shown an intense band centered at 358 nm (3H6→1D2). The luminescence spectra with excitation at 358 nm shown two bands at 453 nm (1D2→3F4), and 480 nm (1G4→3H6); the highest emission intensity was observed to the sample doped with 0.75 mol% of Tm2O3. The calculated CIE diagram shown that the doped samples have coordinates close to the primary blue color, which favors the application for the development of blue LEDs and wLEDs. The decay curves for the 1D2 level were fitted by single exponential with lifetime values decreasing with increasing concentration of Tm2O3. These results show that the PKAl:Tm glasses are potential candidates for applications in LEDs.

Cold Pressing of Perovskite-ZIF Glass Interpenetrating Networks with Stable Photoelectric Response.

The protection of lead halide perovskite within a stable matrix normally leads to the loss of semiconducting properties. Here, we report the synthesis of perovskite-ZIF glass interpenetrating networks via a cold pressing method, which allows the advantages of bright photoluminescence, high photoconductivity and environmental stability. This hybrid architecture has provided a novel design strategy for the real-world application of perovskite-based devices.

Unlocking the potential of multicomponent mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles: An approach to enhanced ion therapy

This work presents the synthesis and characterization of a multicomponent mesoporous bioactive glass (MMBG) derived from the composition of 58S glass modified with copper, zinc, and boron. Morphological data revealed the presence of spherical particles with an average size of 616 nm and a specific surface area of 295 m2·g−1. X-ray diffractogram analysis confirmed the lack of long-range order in the MMBG, indicating the presence of a disordered vitreous structure characteristic of glass. The structural scenario of the bioactive glass MMBG reveals a characteristic configuration of borosilicate glasses, where the [BO4] polyhedra, along with SiO4 tetrahedra, constitute the backbone of the glassy matrix. Concerning zinc and copper ions, they function similarly to calcium in compensating for the remaining negative charges within the borosilicate network, behaving as typical network-modifying ions. The presence of these heavy ions, coupled with the formation of the borosilicate network in MMBG, led to a 20 % increase in density compared to 58S glass. Additionally, alterations in the chemical composition and structure of MMBG resulted in a reduction in molar volume compared to 58S, indicating a decrease in the volume occupied by one mole of oxygen in the glass matrix, thereby increasing the oxygen packing density. The pH studies reveal that changes in the chemical composition of MMBG did not compromise its chemical reactivity in aqueous environments. The capability of MMBG glass to act as a bioactive agent for ion therapy is evidenced by its ability to deliver Zn and Cu ions, as substantiated by the gradual disappearance of absorption in wavenumber range of 690–470 cm−1, attributed to the vibration of Zn-O and Cu-O bonds. Preliminary in vitro assay for bioactivity in SBF revealed that the formation of apatite layer on the surface of MMBG glass was notably thicker and denser compared to 58S glass. This result highlights the superior bioactive response of the MMBG bioactive glass, indicating its potential as an exceptionally favorable material for various biomedical applications.