Different alkali carbonates on the microstructure and photoluminescence properties of BaY2ZnO5:Tb3+ phosphors prepared using the solid-state method

► Effects of different alkali carbonates on BaY2ZnO5:Tb3+ phosphors were investigated. ► Alkali carbonates act as flux to improve the sintering process. ► Excitation of phosphors prepared with alkali carbonates showed blue-shift. ► Addition of alkali ions increases the concentrations of oxygen vacancy.