A facile and “green-chemistry” method to synthesize pure and Nd-doped Y3Al5O12 nanopowders at low-temperatures

This contribution presents a simple and cost-effective route for the low-temperature and large-scale production of Y3Al5O12 (yttrium aluminum garnet YAG) nanopowders. The proposed methodology combines a mechanically assisted metathesis reaction and the benefits of molten salts as reaction media. An appropriate mixture of hydrated metal nitrates was mechanically blended with NaOH to induce a metathesis reaction and obtain a precursor material. Spherical-like nanometric particles (<30 nm) of pure as well as Nd-doped YAG were obtained after short firing of this precursor at temperatures ≤500 °C. Complete conversion to the target material was achieved when adding NaNO2 to the reaction mixture. Different techniques were used to follow the process and characterize the reaction products.