Ion exchange in glass at low temperature of 80 °C with the assistance of ultrasonic vibration

Abstract The exchange of sodium ions in glass with metal ions that are dissolved in an organic solvent was first examined at extremely low temperatures with the assistance of ultrasonic vibration. Ultrasonic irradiation was performed at 80 °C for an ethylene glycol that contained silver ions, which made contact with aluminosilicate glass. The weight of the aluminosilicate glass was measured at designated times. According to the progress of the exchange of Na+ for Ag+, an increase in the weight of the glass was detected. Energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry analysis gave solid evidence for the ion exchange, exhibiting the existence of Ag in the glass, in which the Ag penetrated to a depth of 11.2 µm from the surface. The exchange of lithium ions is also accomplished by using weight measurement.