Characterization and ionic transport studies on lithium molybdosilicate glass synthesized by sol-gel process

Lithium molybdosilicate (LMS) glasses in different formers compositions, of 20% Li2O 80 80% [x MoO3 + (1-x) SiO2]; where x = 0.1 to 0.5 in steps of 0.1, were synthesized through sol-gel process. Structural characterisations of LMS glasses were made using XRD, FTIR and DSC techniques. XRD pattern of LMS samples showed amorphous phase for gels heat treated to 573 K and further heat treatment above 583 K showed the formation of crystalline multiphases. FTIR spectra for dried LMS gels heated between 338 K-443 K showed the presence of hydroxyl group on the surface of silicate and molybdoates in the matrix and on further heat treatment, the FUR spectra revealed the formation of silicate and molybdoate linkages in LMS glassy matrix. DSC curve confirmed the presence of adsorbed water molecules in LMS glassy matrix. Impedance measurements were carried out on LMS samples of different former compositions and the data were analyzed using Boukamp equivalent circuit software. The conductivity was calculated from analyzed impedance data and it is found to be 6.36 x 10(-5) S/cm for x 0.1 composition of LMS glass.