“…The monovalent metal borates exhibit the most diverse crystal chemistry among borates since most oxygen atoms in their structures are bridging . Such structures often show extremely complex boron–oxygen groups and interpenetrating frameworks. − The A + B 2+ [B 5 O 9 ] family of compounds (where A = Na, K; B = Ca, Sr, Ba, and Pb) are based on the corrugated layers 5: ∞ 2 [(5:3Δ + 2T)] with the pentaborate groups (fundamental building units, FBUs) with the following scheme: 5B:3Δ2□:<2Δ□>−<Δ2□>. This family includes seven borates, NaCa[B 5 O 9 ], NaSr[B 5 O 9 ], − NaPb[B 5 O 9 ], NaBa[B 5 O 9 ], KSr[B 5 O 9 ], KPb[B 5 O 9 ], and KBa[B 5 O 9 ]. , Among them the NaSr[B 5 O 9 ] matrix doped with REE 3+ ions has been studied in connection with the luminescent properties: NaSr[B 5 O 9 ]:Dy 3+ , , NaSr[B 5 O 9 ]:Tb 3+ , , NaSr[B 5 O 9 ]:Sm 3+ , and NaSr[B 5 O 9 ]:Eu 3+ .…”