Unveiling dual crystallization peaks in Zn2P2O7 glass: Insights into stability, nucleation, and growth kinetics.

This study reports on the successful synthesis of Zn 2 P 2 O 7 glass using the conventional melt-quenching method. The state of the material has been investigated using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), to verify its amorphous and glassy state with the onset of two distinct crystallization peaks. These peaks were indicative of the transition to α-Zn 2 P 2 O 7 and γ-Zn 2 P 2 O 7 phases during the annealing process, a finding that was supported by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. This marked the inaugural occasion where the stabilization of both Zn 2 P 2 O 7 phases from their respective annealed glassy state was achieved. The crystallization kinetics and associated parameters of Zn 2 P 2 O 7 glass were deeply delved into, with various models including Kissinger, Ozawa, and the Matusita-Sakka approach. The applied models elucidate the mechanisms of growth and nucleation within the glass matrix. This kinetic study provided valuable insights into the crystallization process, revealing that α-Zn 2 P 2 O 7 is both kinetically and thermally more stable than the γ-phase. However, it is less thermodynamically stable compared to the γ-phase. Besides, the study of phase transformations and crystallization kinetics was enhanced by the analysis of the Avrami index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]