Synthesis of YAG:Ce3+ phosphor powders employing several types of alumina seeds

Abstract

YAG:Ce3+ phosphor powders were synthesized using Al2O3 seeds to control the powder morphology and size through solution chemical processing. A PVA solution was added to slurry-type precursors for homogeneous mixing and to prevent severe clustering. In this study three kinds of alumina seeds were employed: angular, agglomerated, and fused powders. Nitrate metal salts were used as the sources for yttrium and cerium. The dried precursors were calcined at 500°C and then heated at 1400°C∼1500°C in a N2/H2 atmosphere. The characteristics of the final powders were examined by XRD, SEM, a PL analysis and a PKG test. All synthesized powders were crystallized to a YAG phase without an intermediate phase of YAM or YAP. The phosphor property and morphology of the synthesized powders were strongly dependent on the seed type. The phosphor powder prepared from angular-type Al(OH)3 seed powder showed a fluorescence property on par with that of a commercial powder. The powder morphology was successfully controlled to a near spherical form with an average particle size of 10∼20 µm.