Exploring structural and optical properties of Cu-doped and Fe-doped sodium borate glasses

This study investigated the structural and optical properties of Cu-doped and Fe-doped sodium borate glasses. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed that both samples were amorphous, with no sharp peaks. However, differences in the width and center of the high-intensity humps suggested variations in atomic packing and field strength between the two samples. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra showed wider vibrational modes and stronger absorption in the Fe-doped sample, confirming its higher atomic packing and field strength. Luminescence spectra indicated that the Cu-doped sample had a higher ratio of Cu2+:Cu3+ than the Fe-doped sample of Fe2+:Fe3+, resulting in greater UV–visible region absorption. Optical parameters such as absorbance, transmittance, and reflectance supported these findings, with the Fe-doped sample exhibiting higher absorbance band edges. Quality factor (Q.F.) analysis revealed that the Fe-doped sample had a larger Q.F. than the Cu-doped sample, indicating lower energy losses. Furthermore, the optical conductivity of both samples increased with photon energy, with the Cu-doped sample dominating in all energy regions. Finally, both samples exhibited high effective atomic numbers, suggesting potential applications in radiation shielding, with the Cu-doped sample having a wider radiation shielding window. Finally, the findings unique structural and optical properties suggests the Cu-doped and Fe-doped sodium borate glasses to a lot of potential applications in various fields including radiation shielding, optics, electronics, and energy storage. © 2024 Elsevier GmbH