Synthesis of YAG nanopowder by the co-precipitation method: Influence of pH and study of the reaction mechanisms

Caroline Marlot (1, 2) , Elodie Barraud (1) , Sophie Le-Gallet (2) , Marc Eichhorn (1) , Frederic Bernard (2)

1 ISL - Institut Franco-Allemand de Recherches de Saint Louis
2 ICB - Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire Carnot de Bourgogne

YAG nanopowders with an average grain size of 30 nm have been successfully synthesized by the co-precipitation method using nitrates with precipitant of ammonium hydrogen carbonate. The influence of precipitation conditions such as pH, aging time and calcination temperature on the formation of secondary phases has been studied. The accurate control of pH value at every stage of precipitation process is crucial to avoid the presence of YAM (Yttrium Aluminium Monoclinic, Y4Al2O9) and yttrium oxide (Y2O3) after calcination. The reaction mechanisms have been investigated using different techniques such as infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and thermal analyses. The YAG phase is formed around 1050 degrees C passing through an intermediate phase called YAP (Yttrium Aluminium Perovskite, YAlO3). Local chemical heterogeneities are responsible for the deviation of the Y:Al ratio and the formation of YAP during heat treatment.

Mots clés: YTTRIUM-ALUMINUM-GARNET; NANO-SIZED POWDER; TRANSPARENT CERAMICS; PRECIPITATION; FABRICATION; PRECURSORS; LASER

Caroline Marlot, Elodie Barraud, Sophie Le-Gallet, Marc Eichhorn, Frederic Bernard. Synthesis of YAG nanopowder by the co-precipitation method: Influence of pH and study of the reaction mechanisms. Journal of Solid State Chemistry, 2012, 191, pp.114--120. ⟨10.1016/j.jssc.2012.02.063⟩. ⟨hal-00761277⟩