Synthesis of Yttrium–Aluminum Garnet Precursors in a Microreactor with Swirling Flows

Abstract

Nanosized yttrium–aluminum garnet (YAG) powders are synthesized in a microreactor with swirling flows by the coprecipitation of yttrium and aluminum hydroxides followed by heat treatment. The resulting mixture of hydroxides is X-ray amorphous according to X-ray phase analysis. Thermal treatment of hydroxides at 1100°C for 1 h leads to the formation of Y₃Al₅O₁₂ nanocrystals. The method we developed is technologically advanced, easily scalable, saves energy and time, and does not require labor-intensive operati-ons.