Microstructural study of (Ag(2)S)(x)(GeS(2))(100-x) and (Ag(2)S)(x)(GeS)(60)(GeS(2))(40-x) glasses
Résumé
The combined investigation of electrical conductivity by complex impedance spectroscopy and microstructure by Electric Field Microscopy (EFM) helped us to characterize the electrical heterogeneousness existing in several Ag-Ge-S glasses. While the (Ag2S)x(GeS)60(GeS2)40-x glasses were shown to be homogeneous, (Ag2S)x(GeS2)100-x glasses show heterogeneousness. Such heterogeneousness is the electrical signature of a phase separation existing in the glasses. The obtained data helped in understanding the difference of 4-5 orders of magnitude in the conductivity of the system.