From nanoscale heterogeneities to nanolites: cation clustering in glasses
The structural behavior of cations in multicomponent oxide glasses cannot be described within a random network model, due to the presence of cation clusters that provide original properties. These clustering processes are even observed for cations that may occur at a percent level concentration, whi...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Académie des sciences
2023-04-01
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| Series: | Comptes Rendus. Physique |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://comptes-rendus.academie-sciences.fr/physique/articles/10.5802/crphys.150/ |
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| Summary: | The structural behavior of cations in multicomponent oxide glasses cannot be described within a random network model, due to the presence of cation clusters that provide original properties. These clustering processes are even observed for cations that may occur at a percent level concentration, which makes it all the more spectacular. In particular, the structural and chemical characteristics of Zr$^{4+}$- and Fe$^{2+}$/Fe$^{3+}$-based clusters in (alumino)silicate glasses illustrate the link between the short-range order around cations and the formation of nanoscale heterogeneities. The structural characteristics of these Zr- or Fe-rich clusters are similar, as both are based on edge-sharing cation polyhedra. Cations may also occur in a network-forming position. In that case, cation sites are corner-linked with the silicate network. In such positioning, Pauling rules and local charge balance requirements will favor cations be diluted at a nanoscale. The topological constraints of these two types of local structure are stronger for the former than for the latter, as disorder effects are smaller for edge-sharing than for corner-sharing polyhedra. This may explain crystal nucleation during the growth of such ordered heterogeneities, giving rise to original properties that are illustrated in a large diversity of glassy materials encompassing high-tech glass-ceramics and volcanic glasses. |
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| ISSN: | 1878-1535 |