Luminescence enhancement by energy transfer from Ce3+ ions in Ba1.6Ca0.4P2O7:Ce3+:Tb3+ phosphor

► We synthesized novel Ba1.6Ca0.4P2O7:Ce3+,Tb3+ phosphors by solid state reaction. ► Emission spectra at high temperature and energy transfer efficiency are investigated. ► The Tb3+ emission is enhanced by the energy transfer from Ce3+. ► The phosphor is a promising candidate as a UV-converting phosphor.