An insight into the structural interpretation of network modification in Alkali-fluoroborosilicate glasses for its applicability in green luminescence and radiation shielding

The limited knowledge on the scientific aspects of the structural features of glassy matrices with and without the activator ions becomes a bottleneck in elucidating the interesting features of functional glassy matrices. Herein, we report the green luminescence and enhanced radiation shielding features imparted on BaO+ZnF2+K2O +SiO2+B2O3 glasses when it is activated by RE3+ (Tb3+) ions for the very first time. Applicability of the proposed matrix was investigated on the basis of extensive structural investigation carried through XRD, FTIR, Raman and SSNMR (Solid-State NMR) spectroscopies. The Alkali-fluoroborosilicate glassy network is characterized through Si-29, F-19 and B-11 magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR. Existence of various structural units/bonds (Tb-O, F-B, Si-O-Si and Si-O-B bonds) within the glassy system was validated and their structural formations by means of increase in Boron content were substantially investigated. Optical properties like, optical absorption, photoluminescence emission and excitation were carried out for rare earth (Tb3+) activated Alkali-fluoroborosilicate glass for its suitability in green luminescence applications. Radiation shielding parameters such as Mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), Half Value Layer (HVL), Mean Free Path (MFP), Effective Electron Density (N-eff) and Effective Atomic Number (Z(Eff)) were also evaluated for investigating its potentiality as a radiation shielding material. The shielding features found to be enhanced with the integration of Tb3+ ions with the prepared glasses.