Monodisperse pancake-like/flower-like/leaf-like GdBO3 samples have been successfully synthesized via a designed hydrothermal conversion method using H3BO3, Na2B4O7 center dot 10H(2)O, or NaBO2 center dot 4H(2)O as boron sources, respectively. It was found that different boron sources have crucial influences on the formation and morphology of the products. The Gd(OH)(3) nanorods precursors were prepared through a simple hydrothermal process, which then served as sacrificial templates for the fabrication of GdBO3 micropancakes/microflowers/microleaves via a hydrothermal conversion process. FT-IR spectra confirm that vaterite-type GdBO3 can be synthesized by this method. The possible formation mechanisms for different microstructures were put forward on the basis of a series of time-dependent control experiments. The products have similar stacked arrangements driven by the minimization of the interfacial and surface energy of the hydrothermal system. An investigation on the photoluminescence (PL) properties of GdBO3:Eu3+ samples with different morphologies indicates that the PL properties of as-obtained GdBO3:Eu3+ phosphors are strongly dependent on their morphology and crystallinity. The flower-like structure exhibits the strongest red emission. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.