Elastic flexibility, fast-ion conduction, boson and floppy modes in AgPO3–AgI glasses

Raman scattering, IR reflectance and modulated-DSC measurements are performed on specifically prepared dry (AgI)(x)(AgPO(3))(1-x) glasses over a wide range of compositions 0% 37.8% are elastically flexible. Raman optical elasticity power laws, trends in the nature of the glass transition endotherms, corroborate the three elastic phase assignments. Ionic conductivities reveal a step-like increase when glasses become stress-free at x>x(c)(1) = 9.5% and a logarithmic increase in conductivity (σ∼(x-x(c)(2))(μ)) once they become flexible at x>x(c)(2) = 37.8% with a power law μ = 1.78. The power law is consistent with percolation of 3D filamentary conduction pathways. Traces of water doping lower T(g) and narrow the reversibility window, and can also completely collapse it. Ideas on network flexibility promoting ion conduction are in harmony with the unified approach of Ingram et al (2008 J. Phys. Chem. B 112 859), who have emphasized the similarity of process compliance or elasticity relating to ion transport and structural relaxation in decoupled systems. Boson mode frequency and scattering strength display thresholds that coincide with the two elastic phase boundaries. In particular, the scattering strength of the boson mode increases almost linearly with glass composition x, with a slope that tracks the floppy mode fraction as a function of mean coordination number r predicted by mean-field rigidity theory. These data suggest that the excess low frequency vibrations contributing to the boson mode in flexible glasses come largely from floppy modes.