Structural characterization of gamma irradiated lithium phosphate glasses containing variable amounts of molybdenum

MoO3-doped lithium phosphate glasses with varying molybdenum contents were prepared and characterized. Combined UV–visible and infrared (FT/IR) spectroscopic studies were measured before and after gamma irradiation. Experimental results indicate that molybdenum ions occupy different local sites including presence of Mo3+, Mo4+ and Mo5+ with different ratio depending on the host lithium phosphate glass composition and concentration of molybdenum ions. Undoped lithium phosphate glass reveal UV absorption which is related to the presence of unavoidable trace iron impurities. FT/IR spectra were used to identify the main building structural groups present in the studied lithium phosphate glass. The same spectroscopic reutilized techniques were reutilized to identify the induced defects generated after successive gamma irradiation and the influence of molybdenum ions on the irradiation process. Experimental results indicate that molybdenum ions occupy two valences: Mo5+ and Mo3+ with the first in dominant percent. The change in the UV, visible and infrared spectral data are discussed in relation to the change in the state of molybdenum ions with glass composition or dopant concentration or network structure evolution caused by the change in glass constituents.