Synthesis of high quality Ce:YAG nanopowders by graphene oxide nanosheet-assisted co-precipitation method

(Ce_0.04Y_2.96)Al₅O₁₂ phosphor nanoparticles were prepared by a modified co-precipitation method with graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets used as dispersing agent. The GO concentration is controlled at 0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, and 0.03 g/L. The addition of lamellar GO nanosheets in the precipitant solution possibly enhances both the dispersity of precursor particles and the crystallinity of phosphor nanoparticles. Pure Ce-doped YAG phase is obtained by calcining the precipitate at 1000 °C for 3 h. The (Ce_0.04Y_2.96)Al₅O₁₂ phosphor nanoparticles have an average size of 64 nm and there is no significant change on particle size with increase of the GO concentration in precipitant solution. The luminescence property of (Ce_0.04Y_2.96)Al₅O₁₂ phosphor nanoparticles varies with different concentrations of GO. The photoluminescence emission intensity of the optimum sample with 0.02 g/L GO is about 1.6 times higher than the sample without using GO.