Tuning and optimizing luminescent properties of oxonitridosilicates phosphors are important for white light-emitting diode (WLED) applications. To improve the color rendering index, correlated color temperature and thermal stability of layer-structured MSi2O2N2:Eu (M = Sr, Ba) phosphors, cation substitutions have been used to adjust their luminescent properties. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In this research, a series of (Sr1–x Ba x )Si2O2N2:Eu (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) compounds were prepared by solid-state reaction, after which systematic emission variations were investigated. The crystal structures of (Sr1–x Ba x )Si2O2N2:Eu (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) are nominally divided into three sections, namely, Phase 1 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.65), Phase 2 (0.65 < x < 0.80), and Phase 3 (0.80 ≤ x ≤ 1) based on the X-ray diffraction measurements. These experimental results are further confirmed by optimizing the crystal structure data with first-principle calculations. Continuous luminescence adjustments from green to yellow are observed in Phase 1 with gradual replacement of Sr2+ with Ba2+, and the abnormal redshift is clarified through extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis. Sr(Eu)–O/N bond length shrinkage in local structure causes the redshift emission, and the corresponding luminescence mechanism is proposed. Controllable luminescence in Phase 2 (from blue to white) and Phase 3 (from cyan to yellowish green) are observed. Based on the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction analysis, the two kinds of luminescence tuning are attributed to phase segregation. This study serves as a guide in developing oxonitride luminescent materials with controllable optical properties based on variations in local coordination environments through cation substitutions.

New nanocomposites have been prepared by combining tin selenide (SnSe) with graphene oxide (GO) in a simple aqueous solution process followed by ice templating (freeze casting). The resulting integration of SnSe within the GO matrix leads to modifications of electrical transport properties and the possibility of influencing the power factor ( S 2 σ). Moreover, these transport properties can then be further improved ( S , σ increased) by functionalization of the GO surface to form modified nanocomposites (SnSe/GO mod ) with enhanced power factors in comparison to unmodified nanocomposites (SnSe/GO) and “bare” SnSe itself. Functionalizing the GO by reaction with octadecyltrimethoxysilane (C 21 H 46 O 3 Si) and triethylamine ((CH 3 CH 2 ) 3 N) switches SnSe from p-type to n-type conductivity with an appreciable Seebeck coefficient and high electrical conductivity (1257 S·m –1 at 539 K), yielding a 20-fold increase in the power factor compared to SnSe itself, prepared by the same route. These findings present new possibilities to design inexpensive and porous nanocomposites based on metal chalcogenides and functionalized carbon-derived matrices.