High Performance Ce-Doped YAG Nanophosphors Prepared by Precipitation Method

High-performance yttrium aluminum garnet nanophosphors doped with cerium (YAG:Ce) were prepared by a simple precipitation method. The use of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) as precipitating agents successfully yielded Ce-doped monoclinic yttrium aluminum (YAM:Ce) and YAG:Ce nanoparticles, respectively. The structural, energetic, and optical properties of the Ce-doped yttrium aluminum oxide nanoparticles were systematically studied. Optimization of the preparation conditions for the YAG:Ce nanophosphors by post-thermal and pressing treatments resulted in remarkably improved light emission and crystallinity. We believe that this simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly precipitation method and post-treatment approach will contribute to the production of high-performance YAG:Ce nanophosphors.