Preparation and characterization of nano-sized Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ phosphor by high-energy milling process

► Nano-sized YAG:Ce phosphor was synthesized using a high-energy milling process. ► Uniform nano-sized YAG:Ce particles sized below 100 nm were produced. ► By controlling milling conditions, we synthesized size-tunable nano-sized YAG:Ce. ► The main factor of degradation in the luminescent efficiency was the crystallinity.