New red-emitting phosphors have been produced and studied by investigating the effects of various additives such as europium (Eu), aluminum (Al), and calcium (Ca) on the photoluminescence performance of boron oxide-based phosphors. When both Eu and Ca ions were added, Ca3B2O6:Eu phosphors could be synthesized via a straightforward process using a liquid precursor. The photoluminescent spectra of Ca3B2O6:Eu phosphors exhibited a red emission at 611 nm under 254 nm excitation, and the internal quantum efficiency reached 41.5% when the concentration of Eu ion was fixed at an optimal condition of 0.13M. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.