YAG:Ce3+, Gd3+ nano-phosphor for white light emitting diodes

YAG:Ce³⁺, Gd³⁺ nano-phosphors were synthesised by the glycothermal method. The X-ray diffraction measurements showed that the samples can be well-crystallised at 600°C. The transition electron microscope showed that the particles have sizes mostly in the range between 35 and 100?nm. The YAG:Ce nano-phosphor had a wide emission band ranging from blue to yellow with a peak at 532?nm, due to the transition from the lowest 5d band to ²F_7/2, ²F_5/2 states of the Ce³⁺ ion. Red-shift of emission peak wavelength from 532 to 568?nm was achieved doping Gd³⁺ ions into the YAG:Ce³⁺ to substitute some Y³⁺ ions. White light emitting diodes (LEDs) were obtained by combining blue LED chip (InGaN-based 460?nm emitting) with (Y_{2.94? x} Ce_0.06Gd _x )Al₅O₁₂ phosphor. As x has the value of 0.8, an intense white LED with good colour rendering of 86 was obtained.