Synthesis of cerium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG:Ce) phosphors via citric acid-assisted aerosol spray pyrolysis

In this study, cerium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG:Ce) phosphors were synthesized via citric acid-assisted aerosol spray pyrolysis to optimize their luminescent properties for white light-emitting diode (LED) applications. Precursor solutions formulated with nitrates and citric acid were atomized and subsequently calcined at 1000 °C, yielding hollow spherical particles with an average diameter of 700-800 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that pure cubic YAG phase was formed above 800 °C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations disclosed the porous hollow morphology of the particles. By adjusting the Ce 3+ doping concentration (0.01%-3%), it was found that doping concentrations of 1-2% exhibited the strongest emission intensity under 450 nm excitation, with the emission peak located at 550 nm. Beyond 2% doping, a decrease in intensity was observed due to concentration quenching. These results demonstrated that aerosol spray pyrolysis could effectively produce high-quality YAG:Ce phosphors with controllable morphology and excellent optical properties, rendering them suitable for advanced lighting technologies.