Facile synthesis and luminescence properties of uniform and monodisperse KY3F10:Ln3+ (Ln=Eu, Ce, Tb) nanospheres

► KY3F10:Ln3+ nanospheres have been prepared via a simple stirring method. ► KY3F10:Ln3+ (Ln=Eu, Ce, Tb) showed strong characteristic fluorescence emissions. ► An energy transfer phenomenon from Ce3+ to Tb3+ has been observed in KY3F10 nanospheres.