Antibacterial, Optical, Structural, and AC Conductivity Characteristics of Lithium-Doped Barium Zinc Borate Glasses for Multiple Applications

An Li2O-incorporated bioactive glass system of chemical composition xLi2O-10BaO-10ZnO-(80-x)B2O3 with x=0-20mol% was synthesized by melt-quench route. Non-crystalline behaviour was confirmed with X-ray diffraction spectra. The antibacterial zone of inhibitions increased with Li2O incorporation. Experimental densities increased with Li2O molar content and molar volume decreased. UV-Optical absorption spectra confirmed a cut-off wave length (λc) increasing trend by NBOs. Indirect band gap decreased, direct band gap decreased, and Urbach energy increased with Li2O addition. The refractive index of the glass system also increased. Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy studies confirmed the structural variations and existence of metal-oxides in the glass matrix. The AC conductivity increased with frequency, temperature, and also Li2O content by almost three orders of magnitude. The findings of higher order conductivity (10-3Ω-1cm-1), improvement in the zone of inhibitions upto 15 mm against E.Coli., and 14 mm against Salmonella; higher value of refractive index (n>2) confirms the multiple applications of these glasses.