M2Si5N8:Eu2+-based (M = Ca, Sr) red-emitting phosphors fabricated by nitrate reduction process

M2Si5N8:Eu2+-based (M = Ca, Sr) red-emitting phosphors were fabricated at relatively low temperature (1200 °C) and atmospheric pressure using a simple solid-state reaction process. Several processing parameters were systematically investigated to optimize the phosphors structural characterization and photoluminescence performance, including the amount of europium and the properties of the precursor and activated materials. The as-prepared M2Si5N8:Eu2+-based (M = Ca, Sr) phosphors were orange in color and emitted intensively in the red region of 580–670 nm under 465 nm excitation. This simple fabrication technique can be readily used for the optimization of phosphor microstructures and high-performance red-emitting phosphors since it eliminates many air-sensitive precursors.

► Phosphors were fabricated at 1200 °C and atmospheric pressure.
► Precursor and activated materials are crucial factors for phosphors.
► Emission intensity increases nonlinear with increasing the Eu content.