Preparation and property of β-SiAlON:Eu²⁺ luminescent fibers by an electrospinning method combined with carbothermal reduction nitridation

β-SiAlON:Eu²⁺ phosphors synthesis usually requires higher temperatures and higher nitrogen pressure conditions. In the present research, a low temperature technique has been developed to synthesize both β-SiAlON and Eu-doped β-SiAlON fibers by electrospinning combined with carbothermal reduction nitridation (CRN). The carbon sources used as reductant in CRN procedure have been optimized to effectively produce a well-crystallized β-SiAlON phase at lower temperatures of 1370–1500 °C. Additionally, through adding sucrose and covering activated carbon powders on the top of fiber precursor layers, the highly-pure β-SiAlON and β-SiAlON:Eu²⁺ fibers could be obtained. The pyrolysis behavior of fiber precursors, crystalline phase, morphology, and UV excited luminescence properties of the produced ceramic fibers were also studied by using TG–DSC measurement, XRD analysis, SEM observation, and spectrometer method. The resultant fibers exhibit a smooth surface and an uniforme morphology with a substantial length. Moreover, the β-SiAlON:Eu²⁺ fibers thus prepared show a blue light emission peaked at 470 nm under UV excitation. - Highlights: • Eu²⁺ doped b-SiAlON blue luminescent fibers were successfully prepared. • Use of electrospinning with carbothermal reduction nitridation. • Sucrose was utilized as carbon source to effectively form β-SiAlON:Eu²⁺. • Active carbon powders were covered on fiber precursor layers during processing. • Produced fibers own smooth surface and uniform morphology.