Surface modification using silver nanoparticles for Y4Al2O9:Nd - Synthesis and their selected studies

A modified sol-gel synthesis was used to produce powders of yttrium aluminum monoclinic Y4Al2O9 (YAM) doped with 1 at% of Nd3+ ions. This was followed by surface modification using dispersed Ag metallic nanoparticles (AgNPs) in a concentration of n = 1, 2 and 3 wt%. The structure of the prepared composites was characterized using X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), absorption, Raman and emission measurements. To the best of our knowledge, we present for the first time far IR spectrum of the family of RE4Al2O9 (RE: rare earth ions) compounds. The measurements confirm the purity of the obtained polycrystals. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.