Synthesis, growth mechanism and photoluminescence of monodispersed cubic shape Ce doped YAG nanophosphor

Abstract In the present work, a novel method for the synthesis of monodispersed cubic shape Ce-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG:Ce) nanophosphors is reported. Single phase Ce doped YAG nanoparticles are prepared by solvothermal processing, followed by annealing treatment. Morphological investigation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the formation of monodispersed 500 nm cubic shape Ce-doped YAG phosphor. The crystalline Ce-doped YAG showed broad emission peaks in the range of 480–640 nm with maximum intensity at 524 nm. The emission intensity increased with increase in calcination temperatures while reduced with increase in Ce 3+ ions concentration. Detailed study was carried out to understand the formation of monodispersed cubic shape Ce doped YAG nanoparticles. It was found that the solvent, surfactant and impurity (counter ions of cerium and aluminum salt) has significant effect on the crystal growth.