A series of CeF3-doped YAG phosphors were successfully synthesized.
CeF3 not only can be used as the Ce3+ source but also can play the role of a flux.
The QY of YAG:CeF3 phosphor is 91% but the QY of YAG:Ce2O3 phosphor is just 80%.
YAG:CeF3 phosphor exhibits excellent thermal stability.
Using CeF3 as the Ce3+ source is a promising flux-free method to prepare YAG:Ce3+.