A comparative analysis of the impact of Bi, Ga, Cr, In, or Sm ions on the Na-B-Te glasses network for UV block in smart windows and optoelectronic applications

Five samples of glass were fabricated, each with the corresponding composition (60%B ₂O ₃ + 25%Na ₂Co ₃ + 10%TeO ₂ + 5% M) mol%, M represents one of the following oxides [Cr ₂O ₃/ Ga ₂O ₃/ In ₂O ₃/ Bi ₂O ₃/ Sm ₂O ₃]. Each glass sample mixture was placed in a porcelain crucible and prepared using the fast quenching technique at 1373 K for one hour. Two brass discs were used to pour each sample at room temperature to obtain a thin glass sheet of each. Several approaches were used to measure the samples in their as-prepared state. The XRD verified that the produced samples were amorphous. For each sample, FTIR studies revealed a large number of absorption bands. The band observed for the studied glass samples at 700 cm ⁻¹ is attributed to the B-O-B asymmetric stretching vibration bond of [BO ₃], a peak at 1430 cm ⁻¹ indicates the presence of the asymmetric stretching vibration of the B O B bonds in [BO ₃]. A peak at 460 cm ⁻¹ indicates the presence of Te O Te or O Te O bending mode as well as other characteristic peaks for other ions present in the glass matrix. The glass sample having 5mol% Bi, according to optical measurements, completely absorbs UVA and UVB rays; however, it does not absorb visible light, which is a benefit for lowering the need for artificial lighting throughout the day. This promotes energy efficiency and qualifies it for use in green (sustainable) construction applications. For each processed glass sample, Urbach energies, band gaps for direct and indirect transitions, and refractive index were determined. Based on AC data, a DC plateau was seen at low temperatures, which was followed by an increase in conductivity, reaching a maximum of 10 ⁻⁸ S/m for the Cr sample. It was realised that the Bi glass sample is an effective UV radiation blocker for green life.