Role of Nd³⁺ ions in TeO₂–V₂O₅–(B₂O₃/Nd₂O₃) glasses: structural, optical, and thermal characterization

In this study, undoped and Nd₂O₃-doped TeO₂–V₂O₅–B₂O₃ oxide glasses were synthesized and their characterizations were performed. Physical parameters belonging to the glass series having four samples prepared with melt-quenching technique were determined and the changes in structural, thermal, and optical properties with Nd₂O₃ doping were examined. Density, molar volume, molar refractivity, and metallization criterion values were calculated as physical parameters. Structural properties were examined with XRD and FTIR, and as a result of these examinations, the structure was found to be amorphous and the glass network was observed to consist of TeO₄, TeO₃, BO₃, and BO₄ structural units with the help of absorption spectrum within the region of 400–1500 cm⁻¹, and it was also understood that conversions occurred in these structural units with doping. It was determined with DSC thermograms that changes occurred in thermal data with Nd₂O₃ doping. Transmittance and absorption spectra were used in optical characterization. Seven characteristic absorption bands were found in this glass structure belonging to Nd within the visible region. Moreover, optical band gap, Urbach energy, and refractive index values according to absorption edge were calculated and changes in these novel synthesized glasses due to doping were examined and commented in detail. Data arising as a result of glass characterization were concluded to be due to structural changes in the glass network depending upon the Nd₂O₃ concentration in glasses and Nd₂O₃ was present within the structure as the modifier.