Polyol-mediated solvothermal synthesis and luminescence properties of CeF3, and CeF3:Tb3+ nanocrystals

► 0D nanoparticles and 2D nanoplates CeF3 were fabricated by polyol process. ► Morphology of product depends on the content of NH4F and reactant concentrations. ► CeF3:Tb3+ shows strong green emission via Ce3+-Tb3+ energy transfer route. ► Decay process of 5D4 level of Tb3+ tends to slower increasing the size of products.