Cerium activated yttrium silicate (Y2SiO5:Ce) phosphors were prepared by gel-combustion, using yttrium-cerium nitrate as oxidizer, aspartic acid as fuel and TEOS as source of silicon. Two modalities for samples preparation were approached namely: the classical gel-combustion and sonication gelcombustion. The ultrasound treatment during the gelling stage has a positive effect on the structural and luminescent characteristics of the final product. Therefore, a well crystallized single X2-Y2SiO5 phase phosphor was obtained at 1200 degrees C. Based on FT-IR and XRD investigations, conversion of X1 to X2-Y2SiO5 phases is observed as the firing temperature is varied (1100 degrees C, 1200 degrees C, 1300 degrees C 1400 degrees C). The ultrasound treatment leads to smaller particle size and enhances the luminescent performances up to 151% in comparison with samples prepared by classical way. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.