Study of structural relaxation of mixed modifiers and its influence on ionic conductivity.

• Grant number: 25/12708-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Edgar Dutra Zanotto
• Grantee: Lucas Prado Avelino
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07793-6 - CEPIV - Center for Teaching, Research and Innovation in Glass, AP.CEPID

Abstract

Structural relaxation is a spontaneous process in glasses, as these materials are thermodynamically unstable. This phenomenon can be induced by thermal treatments near the glass transition region, leading to changes in properties over time. Recently, it has been observed that structural relaxation can significantly impact the ionic conductivity of glasses containing mixed modifiers of sodium and magnesium. This project aims to investigate the effect of structural relaxation on the ionic conductivity of glasses with mixed modifiers, using different combinations of alkali (Li, Na) and alkaline earth (Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) ions. Initially, 24 compositions of silicate, borate, and phosphate glasses will be produced to understand how structural relaxation affects atomic structure and ionic conductivity. Conductivity will be measured before and after physical aging thermal treatments performed below the glass transition region. Structural changes will be evaluated using Raman spectroscopy. Optimized glass compositions for high ionic conductivity are expected to be identified, along with an atomic-level understanding of the factors contributing to these characteristics. (AU)