Synthesis and sintering of YAG:Eu nanopowder

YAG:Eu nanopowder was synthesized through a sol–gel method. A master sintering curve was used as a practical approach to analyze the sintering behavior of the synthesized powder. The effect of MgO doping on sintering of the synthesized nanopowders was evaluated. An amorphous nanopowder was synthesized and crystallized to YAG after heat-treatment via a solid-state reaction. MgO improved the sintering rate of the YAG nanopowders and suppressed grain boundary mobility. The activation energy for sintering decreased from 917 to 837 kJ/mol by adding MgO to the nanopowders. The results of this study can be used to predict the densification of YAG:Eu nanopowder.