Synthesis and characterization of rare earth and transition metal doped BaMgF4 nanoparticles

► BaMgF4 nanorods synthesized using a reverse microemulsion method. ► BaMgF4 nanorods successfully doped with luminescent ions. ► Ce3+ and Eu3+ ions occupy two distinct crystal sites. ► Efficient energy transfer from Ce3+ to Mn2+ is observed. ► Transparent nanoparticle/PMMA polymer films were made.