ZrO2 addition in soda-lime aluminoborosilicate glasses containing rare earths: Impact on the network structure

International audienceThe influence of increasing ZrO 2 content on the structural features of a rare earths (RE = Nd, La) bearing soda-lime aluminoborosilicate glass was investigated through a multi-spectroscopic approach (Raman, Zr-EXAFS, 29 Si, 11 B, 27 Al and 23 Na MAS NMR). Particular attention was paid to the modifications occurring in the glassy network and on the distribution of Na + and Ca 2+ ions. Zr 4+ ions were shown to be located in (ZrO 6) 2-sites, connected to the silicate network, and preferentially charge compensated by Na + ions. A favorable competition of Zr 4+ ions against RE 3+ ions and (BO 4)-entities for charge compensators was observed, but no effect was detected on the environment of (AlO 4)-(Daniel Caurant) 2 entities. This competition resulted in a modification of the RE 3+ ions environment with the ZrO 2 content that may affect their solubility in the glassy network