The presented study shows how the incorporation of silver changes the structure and physical properties of chalcogenide glass (GeS2)50(Sb2S3)50. Nine samples with silver content (0-25 at. %) were studied to give a detailed picture. The structure and its changes were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy. The main structural units of the (GeS2)50(Sb2S3)50 glass and its medium range order were described. Interaction of silver and hosting (GeS2)50(Sb2S3)50 matrix was described by a set of chemical reactions. The weakest part of the hosting matrix, two interconnected SbS3/2 pyramids, was identified. Such structural motif was identified as the doorway for silver incorporation. The material hardness is significantly increased by up to 26% due to silver addition. The ability of silver to fill cavities in a glass is responsible for the observed hardness increase. Electronic properties and silver ion mobility were examined by impedance spectroscopy and radioactive tracer diffusion. The purpose of the presented study is to give an instructive description of how silver change the structure of the studied chalcogenide glass and give a complex feeling of how the silver changes its physical properties.

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