Preparation, structure, and luminescence properties of Y₂ Si₄ N₆ C: Ce³⁺ and Y₂ Si₄ N₆ C: Tb³⁺

Rare-earth silicon carbonitrides, Y2 Si4 N6 C and Y2 Si4 N6 C: M3+ (M=Ce,Tb), were prepared by a carbothermal reduction and nitridation method. The crystal structure of Y2 Si4 N6 C was determined by Rietveld refinement using the atomic coordinates of Ho2 Si4 N6 C as a starting model. The host lattice was isostructural with Ho2 Si4 N6 C of monoclinic system [P 21 c, a=5.9295 (1), b=9.8957 (1), c=11.8800 (2) Å, Β=119.63 (4) °, and Z=4]. The photoluminescence properties of doped materials, Y2 Si4 N6 C: Ce3+ and Y2 Si4 N6 C: Tb3+, were characterized on the basis of the detailed structural analysis result.