Synthesis of pure-phase uranium-doped YAG powder via co-precipitation method

Abstract Pure-phase uranium-doped YAG powder with an U 4+ oxidation state was synthesized by a co-precipitation method and calcined in reducing atmosphere. Divalent calcium ions were introduced to balance the extra charge from the substitution of uranium for yttrium. The optimized calcination condition, thermal behavior, phase formation process, and morphological characteristics of the powder were studied. It was found that pure YAG crystallized directly from an amorphous precursor at the temperature of 1000 °C for 4 h in N 2 -3%H 2 atmosphere, and the synthesized powder showed good dispersity and crystallinity with particle size of ~80 nm. It indicates that this powder is expected to fabricate transparent ceramics for laser applications.