Low temperature synthesis of YAG:Ce phosphors by LiF assisted sol–gel combustion method

Ce doped yttrium aluminium garnet (YAG:Ce) was synthesized by LiF assisted sol–gel combustion method. The thermal behavior, composition, and microstructure feature of the precursor were studied by TG/DTA, XRD, PL, and SEM. The using of LiF in the sol–gel combustion process was helpful to decrease the sintering temperature about 200 °C. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the powder sintered at 540 °C were identical with the stoichiometric YAG composition, which was the lowest temperature reported for the synthesis of crystalline and single phase YAG. The PL intensity of the particles was found to be affected by the content of LiF and this phenomenon was thought to be related to the change of phase composition with the increase of flux.

Graphical abstractCe doped yttrium aluminium garnet (YAG:Ce) was synthesized by LiF assisted sol–gel combustion method. The using of LiF in the sol–gel combustion process was equitant to decrease sintering temperature about 200 °C. YAG:Ce powders can be obtained at 540 °C, which was the lowest temperature reported for the synthesis of crystalline and single phase YAG:Ce. The PL intensity of particles was found to be affected by the content of LiF.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideMorphology of YAG:Ce powder synthesized at 540 °C.