Novel rare-earth-free tunable-color-emitting BCNO phosphors

We present a facile synthesis of novel, rare-earth (RE)-ion-free boron carbon oxynitride (BCNO) phosphors. The preparation method, chemical composition, luminescent properties and emission mechanisms, as well as current trends in BCNO phosphors are reviewed. The novel BCNO phosphors were synthesized from inexpensive and environmentally friendly raw materials by a straightforward route using liquid precursors at low temperatures under atmospheric pressure. The newly developed BCNO phosphors demonstrated tunable color emission, high quantum efficiency, and long-duration afterglow. The color emission of these phosphors can be tuned across almost the entire visible light spectrum by varying the molar ratios of the raw materials.