Preparation and luminescence characterization of new carbonate (Y2(CO3)3·nH2O:Eu3+) phosphors via the hydrothermal route

► A new Eu3+-activated Y2(CO3)3·nH2O phosphor was successfully prepared via the hydrothermal process. ► This phosphor displayed an intense red emission at 615 nm due to the 5D0 → 7F2 transition of Eu3+ ions under 254 nm excitation. ► With increasing heating temperatures, the morphology of Y2(CO3)3·nH2O:Eu3+ powders changed from a spherical to a rod-like shape. ► Calcination at elevated temperature resulted in thermal decomposition of Y2(CO3)3·nH2O:Eu3+ to form Y2O3:Eu3+.