Synthesis of highly sinterable YAG nanopowders by a modified co-precipitation method

A hydrate precursor of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) was synthesized by a modified co-precipitation method, in which n-butanol was employed as a low-cost recyclable dehydration solvent. A mixed solution of ethanol and ammonia were used as precipitant. Pure YAG phase appeared after the as-prepared precursors being calcined at 850 °C for 2 h. The nanocrystalline YAG particles calcined at 1100 °C were well dispersed with average diameter of about 40 nm, which can be densified to transparency under vacuum sintering at 1700 °C for 5 h with TEOS as sintering additive.