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

Nanocrystalline yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG, Y 3 Al 5 O 12 ) was synthesized by pyrolysis of complex compounds of aluminum and yttrium with triethanolamine [(HOCH 2 CH 2 ) 3 N, (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.