Nanostructured GGG powders via gel combustion

Polycrystalline nano-sized gadolinium gallium garnet (Gd3Ga5O12, GGG) powders were synthesized via a gel combustion method from a mixed solution of Ga(NO3)3, Gd(NO3)3 and citric acid. The evolution of phase composition and micro-structure of the powders were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetry/differential thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Well-crystallized, single phase GGG nano-sized powders could be obtained at the calcining temperature as low as 750 °C for 2 h. No any intermediate phases formed during the calcining process. The resulting powders were well dispersed and had a relatively narrow size distribution with an average particle size of approximately 30-50 nm.