Synthesis and photoluminescence characteristics of (Sr, Ca)3B2O6:Eu for application in white light-emitting diodes

► A series of (Sr, Ca)3B2O6:Eu phosphors have been synthesized via a facile sol-gel route. ► Solid-solution phases crystallized to materials with the formula of Sr3−x−yCaxEuyB2O6 with varied x and y. ► Luminescent intensity depending on Ca2+ content and Eu2+ concentration was investigated. ► Calcining temperature was shown to greatly influence the luminescent properties of SCB:0.09Eu. ► SCB:0.09Eu with the highest intensity and broadest emission band is a promising phosphor.