CHARACTERIZATION OF XF(2)/(1-X)AGPO3 AND XAGF/(1-X)AGPO3 GLASSES

xF(2):(1 - x)AgPO3 and xAgF:(1 - x)AgPO3 glasses have been synthesized. The effect of incorporation of fluorine in the structure of phosphate glasses has been characterized by using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, x-ray diffraction, and electrical conductivity studies. Results provide evidence for fluorine participation in the phosphate network by forming P-F bonds indicating the presence of P(O, F)(4) and P-2(O, F)(7) species. A systematic change in T-g, the ratio of bridging oxygen and nonbridging oxygen, and the concentration of different structural species such as P2O74-, PO3-, and P-F with the fluorine content were observed. DC conductivity and activation energy data were obtained. The conductivity mechanism is discussed in terms of the effect of modification of phosphate structure by the incorporation of fluorine.