Effect of different doped elements on visible light absorption and ultraviolet light emission on Er3+:Y3Al5O12

► Yb, B, Ga, N and F were used to enlarge and intensify the absorption and emission spectra. ► Up-conversion luminescence agent Er3+:YbnY3−nBaGabAl5−a−bNxFyO12−x−y was applied in photocatalytic degradation. ► The photoluminescence of Er3+:Y3Al5O12 is effectively enhanced by doping Yb, B, Ga, N and F.