Sol–gel synthesis and characterization of the Ag2O–SiO2 system

Binary silver silicate (SS) (XAg2O+(1–X) SiO2; X=0.1–0.9 in steps of 0.1) system was synthesized through sol–gel route for various compositions containing SiO2 (F=SiO2) and modifier (M=Ag2O) oxides. All the synthesized SS xerogel compositions were characterized by XRD, FTIR, EDS, WDS, SEM and impedance spectroscopy techniques. The XRD spectrum showed mixed (amorphous and crystalline) phases. The formation of the SiO2 network, and presence of Si–OH and NO3 were confirmed by FTIR. Chemical compositions of each element in the SS system were estimated from the EDS and WDS measurements. The SEM micrographs showed that the SS compounds have two phases and the assumption was further supported by EDS, XRD, and IR results. Electrical conductivity of the SS system was estimated from the impedance data and was found to be on the order of 10−3 cm−1 Ω−1. The role of the observed high ionic conductivity in the SS system is explained using the existing theoretical models.