Modification of Pechini method for synthesis of weakly agglomerated yttrium aluminum garnet powder has been presented. Modified synthesis procedure is based on an additional calcination process in KCl melt at 1000 degrees C and allows obtaining weaker agglomeration of nanoparticles. Structure, morphology and particle size have been defined using scanning electron microscopy technique, X-ray diffraction, and static light scattering. Adsorption ability of powders has also been studied. Diffraction patterns of samples confirm existence of only one YAG phase; the average size of particles is about 200 nm. The size of coherent-scattering regions was determined to be 40-50 nm. Steady-state luminescence properties and lifetimes of nanocrystalline YAG:Eu3+ powders synthesized by standard and modified Pechini techniques were compared. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.