Transparent oxyfluoride borosilicate glass ceramics containing Ba2+1.5xYb1-xF7:Tb3+ nanocrystals were successfully prepared by a melt-quenching method with subsequent heat treatment. The precipitated crystalline phase in the glass matrix changed gradually from BaF2 to Ba2+1.5xYb1-xF7 with the increase of YbF3 content, which was confirmed by the results of XRD, HRTEM and EDX measurements. The ultraviolet and visible up-conversion and near-infrared quantum cutting down-conversion emissions were observed and interpreted. These materials could be used to modify the solar spectrum and enhance the silicon solar cell efficiency by the up-conversion and down-conversion luminescence of Tb3+-Yb3+ couples in the oxyfluoride borosilicate glass ceramics. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.