One-step synthesis and characterisation of LuAG nanoparticles via solvothermal route

Lutetium aluminium garnet (Lu3Al5O12, LuAG) nanoparticles were well prepared via a facile and low temperature one-step solvothermal route using aluminium nitrate and lutetium nitrate as raw materials and ethylenediamine (en) solution as the reaction medium. Here, en was employed both as the chelating agent and structure-directing agent. Influences of the reaction medium, temperature, time and dispersant on the synthesis of crystalline LuAG nanoparticles were investigated. Characterisation of LuAG nanoparticles was performed using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction. Optimum synthesis conditions of single-phase LuAG nanoparticles have been determined. The addition of citric acid as a dispersant can effectively decrease the particle size and increase dispersion of crystalline LuAG nanoparticles.