Self-assembled three-dimensional NaY(WO4)2:Ln3+ architectures: Hydrothermal synthesis, growth mechanism and luminescence properties

► Novel self-assembled 3D NaY(WO4)2:Ln are prepared by a chemical conversion method without using any surfactant or catalyst. ► Under UV excitation, the precursor of NaY(WO4)2:Eu3+ exhibits interesting white light emission. ► The as-annealed NaY(WO4)2:Ln3+ architectures exhibit multicolor DC and UC luminescences. ► The possible formation mechanism is well investigated.