Preparation of YAG nano-powders via an ultrasonic spray co-precipitation method

Nanometer-sized particles (1–100 nm) are of considerable interest for a wide variety of applications, due to their unique and improved properties primarily determined by size. In this study, homogenously dispersed nanocrystalline YAG powders were synthesized by calcination of the YAG precursors prepared by an ultrasonic spray method. The effects of spray droplets moving path, calcination temperature and aluminum ion concentration on the preparation of pure-phase YAG powders were intensively studied. The results show that the well-dispersed YAG nano-powders can be prepared by this ultrasonic spray co-precipitation method. Well-crystallized YAG powers can be generated when the precursors, produced through top symmetric spray with ammonia as precipitation agent, are calcined at 1000 °C for 3 h. The average size of YAG particles is about 50 nm and well-dispersed.