Synthesis of YAG nano-powders by single step co-precipitation method

Yttrium aluminum garnet (Y3Al5O12, YAG) nano-powders were prepared by single step co-precipitation method using Al (NO3)3·9H2O and Y (NO3)3·6H2O as raw materials, NH4HCO3 as precipitator, and dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (C18H30SO3) as dispersion medium. The precursor and calcined nano-powders were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis and field emission scanning electron microscope. The result showed that the chemical composition of the precursor was 10[Al(OH)3]·3[Y2 (CO3)3·3H2O] and it was transformed into the pure YAG phase after calcined at 900°C for 2 h. The pure cubic YAG powder with average particle size of about 65 nm, complete crystal shape, good dispersion, uniform size distribution and spherical shape was obtained by calcining the precursor at 1000°C for 2 h. In comparison with the traditional co-precipitation method, this modified method can simplify the experimental operation and reduces the control parameters to improve the repeatability of experiment. So it is more advantageous to realize the industrialization production.