Hydrothermal combustion synthesis and characterization of Sr2CeO4 phosphor powders

•The Sr2CeO4 fine powders were prepared by hydrothermal combustion reaction.•The crystallization, morphology and luminescence can be effectively improved.•The molar ratio of urea to Gly and sintering temperature are two important factors.•The optimized samples exhibit spherical shape and uniform size (200–350 nm).•Intense blue-light emission can be noticed as excited with medium and near UV light.