Low‐Temperature Synthesis of Nanocrystalline Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Powder Using Triethanolamine

Nanocrystalline yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG, Y3Al5O12) was synthesized by pyrolysis of complex compounds of aluminum and yttrium with triethanolamine [(HOCH2CH2)3N, (TEA)]. Loose and porous precursor was obtained on complete dehydration of the metal ion–triethanolamine complexes. Pure YAG powder was obtained by calcination of the precursor at 950°C. The precursor was characterized by simultaneous thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, and mass spectra analyses (TG–DSC–MS). The heat-treated powders were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), specific surface area measurements, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The average crystallite size as determined from X-ray line broadening and transmission electron microscopy studies was ∼40 nm. The effects of the calcination temperature and the ratio of triethanolamine to mixed metal ions were also studied.