Single step low temperature synthesis of gadolinium gallium garnet nanopowders

Solution combustion synthesis of single-phase gadolinium gallium oxide (Gd3Ga5O12, GGG) nanopowders, by a fuel mixture approach using urea and glycine at a low temperature of 500 C, was being reported for the first time. Based on the fact that urea and glycine are good fuels for gallium oxide and gadolinium oxide synthesis, the fuel mixture composition was obtained, which could lead to direct phase pure cubic Gd3Ga5O12 formation without any subsequent calcination step. Combustion was carried out in furnace pre-heated at 500 C. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of combustion product showed negligible mass loss indicating direct formation of GGG powder. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum of combusted product showed peak characteristic of GGG in case of mixed fuel. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed formation of phase pure GGG at 500 C in preheated furnace. Very fine, well dispersed nanometric particles of size range of 50-100 nm were obtained, being uniform and close to spherical morphology as observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM).