Solid solubility and photoluminescence of Y₃Al₅O₁₂：Ce³⁺ prepared by using (Y_1-xCe_x)₂O₃ as precursor

Trivalent cerium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG:Ce³⁺) phosphors are synthesized by solid-state reaction method through using (Y_1-xCe_x)₂O₃ solid solutions as precursors. Solid solubility limits of Ce³⁺ replacing Y³⁺ in Y₂O₃ and YAG are determined to be 40% and 7.5%, respectively, based on the relationship between the lattice parameter and chemical composition. Using (Y_1-xCe_x)₂O₃ as precursors we synthesize YAG:Ce³⁺single phase at 1450℃ and N₂ atmosphere. However, under the same conditions using CeO₂ there exists a second phase YAlO₃ as impurity. The photoluminescence intensity of YAG:Ce³⁺ increases monotonically with the increase of Ce concentration until it reaches a maximum at solid solubility limits of Ce³⁺ in YAG.