A new solvothermal method for the synthesis of size-controlled YAG:Ce single-nanocrystals. Issue 47 (27th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dantelle, Géraldine; Testemale, Denis; Homeyer, Estelle; Cantarano, Alexandra; Kodjikian, Stéphanie; Dujardin, Christophe; Hazemann, Jean-Louis; Ibanez, Alain
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 8:Issue 47(2018)
• Page Start: 26857
• Page End: 26870
• Publication Date: 2018-07-27
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c8ra05914d
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : This modified solvothermal method, combined with in situ photoluminescence measurements, allows the synthesis of well-crystallized size-controlled YAG:Ce nanocrystals. Abstract : Ce 3+ -doped Y3 Al5 O12 (YAG:Ce) nanocrystals were synthesized by a unique solvothermal method, under sub-critical conditions. A home-made autoclave was used, operating in a larger pressure and temperature range than that with conventional commercial equipment and allowing direct in situ photoluminescence (PL) and X-ray absorption characterizations. The study of various synthesis conditions (pressure, temperature, precursor concentration, reaction time) allowed the best reaction conditions to be pinpointed to control YAG:Ce nanocrystal size, as well as crystal quality, and to get efficient optical properties. Without any post thermal treatment, we succeeded in obtaining well-crystallized YAG:Ce nanocrystals (30–200 nm), displaying typical PL properties of YAG:Ce with a maximal emission at 550 nm. The pristine 100 nm-sized YAG:Ce nanoparticles present an internal quantum yield of about 40 ± 5%. In situ X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy demonstrates the presence of Ce 4+ in nanocrystals elaborated at high temperature, resulting from the oxidation of Ce 3+ during the crystallization process.