Structure and electrical conductivity of new Li2O–CeO2–B2O3 glasses

Abstract Fourier transformation infrared spectra, density and DC electrical conductivity of 30Li 2 O · x CeO 2 ⋅(70 − x )B 2 O 3 glasses, where x ranged between 0 and 15 mol%, have been investigated. The results suggested that CeO 2 plays the role of network modifier up to 7.5 mol%. At higher concentrations it plays a dual role; where most of ceria plays the role of network former. The density was observed to increase with increasing CeO 2 content. The effect on density of the oxides in the glasses investigated is in the succession: B 2 O 3 2 O 2 . Most of CeO 2 content was found to be associated with B 2 O 3 network to convert BO 3 into B O 4 − units. The contribution of Li + ions in the conduction process is much more than that due to small polarons. The conductivity of the glasses is mostly controlled by the Li + ions concentration rather than the activation energy for CeO 2 > 5 mol%. Lower than 5 mol% CeO 2 the conductivity is controlled by both factors. The dependence of W on BO 4 − content supports the idea of ionic conduction in these glasses.