Enhanced luminescent properties of Tb3+ ions in transparent glass ceramics containing BaGdF5 nanocrystals

► Tb3+ doped transparent glass ceramics containing BaGdF5 nanocrystals were prepared. ► Energy transfer from Gd3+ to Tb3+ is observed in the as-prepared glass and glass ceramics. ► The intensity of green emission of Tb3+ in the glass ceramics was enhanced significantly.