Spherical shape with fast decaying property of solvothermally grown (Y,Gd)BO3:Eu3+ nanophosphor

► Solvothermally grown spherical, fast decaying (Y,Gd)BO3:Eu3+ phosphor. ► Understanding the emission decay related to surface-induced radiative transitions. ► Applicable to the promising red-emitting phosphor for on-going 3D PDP devices.