Eu3+ photoluminescence enhancement due to thermal energy transfer in Eu2O3-doped SiO2-B2O3-PbO2 glasses system

► Eu3+-doped SiO2-B2O3-PbO2 glasses had their optical properties investigated. ► AFM images show a precipitated nanocrystalline phase. ► The NCs size can be controlled by increasing heat treatment or by adding Eu3+ ions. ► Was observed a strong Eu3+ photoluminescence enhancement as a temperature increases. ► A thermal energy transfer model was proposed to explain the results.