The synthesis and optical property of solid-state-prepared YAG:Ce phosphor by a spray-drying method

Ce3+-activated yttrium aluminum garnet (Y3Al5O12:Ce, YAG:Ce) powder as luminescent phosphor was synthesized by the solid-state reaction method. The phase identification, microstructure and photoluminescent properties of the products were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), absorption spectrum and photoluminescence (PL) analysis. Spherical phosphor particle is considered better than irregular-shaped particle to improve PL property and application, so this phosphor was granulated into a sphere-like shape by a spray-drying device. After calcinating at 1500 °C for 0, 4, and 8 h, the product was identified as YAG and CeO2 phases. The CeO2 phase content is decreased by increasing the calcination time or decreasing the Ce3+ doping content. The product showed higher emission intensity resulted from more Ce3+ content and larger grain size. The product with CeO2 was found to have lower emission intensity. This paper presents the crystal structures of Rietveld refinement results of powder XRD data.