Chromium in lead metasilicate glass: Solubility, valence, and local environment via multiple spectroscopy

In this article the doping of chromium in a lead metasilicate glass is explored using Raman, UV-Vis, and Cr Kedge XANES spectroscopy. Our results indicate that the Cr ions are predominantly present as CrO42- complexes, with a minor amounts of Cr(III). The solubility of Cr is limited to similar to 1 mol % Cr2O3. This boundary was inferred from the intensity changes to the CrO42- stretching vibrations and confirmed by the inability to produce a homogeneous glass containing 2 mol % Cr2O3. The establishment of the solubility limit of Cr in lead glasses is important to design more effective glass compositions depending on the desired application. Finally, this low solubility indicates that Cr2O3 could be used as a potential nucleating agent for lead-silica based glass-ceramics.

Automated summary

The doping of chromium in lead metasilicate glass was explored using Raman, UV-Vis, and Cr Kedge XANES spectroscopy. The results showed that Cr ions are mainly present as CrO42- complexes, with limited solubility up to about 1 mol% of Cr2O3. This low solubility suggests that Cr2O3 could be used as a potential nucleating agent for lead-silica based glass-ceramics.