Mono-phase La2Si6O3N8:Ce3+ phosphors co-doped with Tb3+ were produced via a direct silicon nitridation (DSN) method at 1500 degrees C. The produced phosphors were characterized with regards to their crystalline structure, microstructure, photoluminescence properties, and lifetime. The decay mode of Ce3+ suggests that energy transfer occurs in La2Si6O3N8:Ce3+,Tb3+ phosphors. Intense green emission was recorded from La1.4Si6O3N8:0.2Ce(3+),0.4Tb(3+) and qualifies these phosphors for further consideration as promising candidates for ultraviolet convertible phosphors in light-emitting devices. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.