Influence of ZnF2/PbF2 on physical and structural characteristics of bismuth borate glasses reinforced with chromium ions

This study presents the preparation of zinc, lead co-doped fluoride based bismuth borate glasses reinforced with Cr3+ ions with the chemical formula ZPBBCR: xZnF(2)-(25-x) PbF2-25Bi(2)O(3)-49.8B(2)O(3)-0.2Cr(2)O(3) (where x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mol%). These ZPBBCR samples were characterized using various physical and structural analyses. For density values the decreasing trend is followed with increase in ZnF2 content while the molar volume followed the increasing trend. Characteristic absorption bands at 450 nm, 610 nm, and 710 nm are assigned to their respective transitions which are observed in UV-Visible spectra. The acquired optical band gap values shown enhancement in their magnitude with excess ZnF2 content. The interactions and characteristic of the Cr3+ ion is observed in EPR spectra. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) in hand with Raman spectra supports the decrease in density values with increase in ZnF2 concentration in ZPBBCR glasses.