Effective ionic transport in AgI-based Ge(Ga)–Sb–S chalcogenide glasses

AgI-based Ge–Sb–S, Ga–Sb–S, and Ge–Ga–Sb–S chalcogenide glasses were designed and prepared by melt-quenching, thereafter their thermal properties and conductive performance were comparatively investigated on the basis of their composition-induced network structures. Glass transition in each sample was examined by DSC measurements. Results showed that the samples containing Ge had a higher thermal stability than the Ga–Sb–S–AgI sample, and the Ge–Sb–S–AgI sample obtained had the highest conductivity ion. Raman spectrum analysis was performed, and the results indicated that the GeS_4-xI_x] structural units and SbS_3?xI_x] pyramids in the matrix produced effective ion transport channel for dissolved conductive Ag⁺ ions. In the matrix containing Ga, the Ga(Ge)S_4-xI_x] structure was consumed by part of S₃Ga–GaS₃] ethane-like units, which had no contribution to the ion transition framework. The study provided the directions for composition and structure configuration control in effective conductive chalcogenide glasses.