The phosphor BaZnSiO4: Eu2+/Tm2+/Yb2+ can be prepared in air.
The self-reduction of RE3+ to RE2+ result from the defect chemistry at Ba2+ sites.
BaZnSiO4 can stabilize low-valence ions is due to its three-dimensional network.
The white-emitting phosphor BaZnSiO4:0.03Eu show a superior synthesis route.