Optimization of synthesis and basic characterization of 55PbO-10ZnO-35P2O5 glass modified by CoO

Abstract

This work is focused on the optimization of preparation of Pb-rich 55PbO-10ZnO-35P2O5 phosphate glass modified by cobalt(II) dioxide, CoO, exhibiting the absorption bands in the visible region. The most suitable glasses were obtained using so-called wet method, which means using dilute H3PO4 and Co(NO3)2∙6H2O. The prepared glasses were optically transparent, homogeneous in the whole volume, without bubbles, defects, cracks or crystals. Consequently, the glasses have been characterized using different methods in order to determine properties, such as the density, molar volume, structure, thermal properties (glass transition temperature and coefficient of thermal expansion), optical properties (colour change and absorption in the visible region), or electrical properties (DC conductivity). The influence of the content of CoO (0–3.55 mol. %) on the selected properties is discussed in detail. In practical applications, CoO-modified glasses are used especially in blue coloured glasses or as optical filters, acid-base or radiation-sensitive indicators, and as possible candidate for tunable solid-state lasers matrix and the materials suitable for direct laser writing at a wavelength of 532 nm.