| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1487450 | Materials Research Bulletin | 2016 | 7 Pages |
•Y3Al5O12:Pr (YAG:Pr) is a potential nanophosphor for biomedical applications.•We show the synthesis of YAG:Pr by combustion and sol–gel methods.•Sol–gel synthesis route led to the better size distribution and morphology.•Sol–gel synthesized YAG:Pr also displayed uniform APTMS coating.
The present work details the effect of synthesis route on the morphology, luminescence property and surface functionalizability of Pr3+ doped Y3Al5O12 (YAG:Pr) as a potential nanoscintillator for biomedical applications. Highly crystalline and pure YAG:Pr nanocrystals were synthesized via sol–gel (YAG:PrSG) and combustion synthesis (YAG:PrCB) techniques by using metal nitrates as the precursors. The surface of the YAG:Pr nanophosphors was successfully modified with aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) and a comparative analysis of the synthesized nanocrystals displayed narrower size distribution, regular morphology and better surface chemistry of YAG:PrSG. Thus, sol–gel method produced better nanophosphors with improved properties for further surface functionalization with biomolecules required in biomedical applications.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide
