Na2Y2B2O7:Er3+/Yb3+ crystalline phosphors with single monoclinic phase have been synthesized by urea assisted solution combustion method and characterized through X-ray diffraction and Field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis. Frequency upconversion (UC) emission study has been carried out upon 980 nm laser diode excitation and maximum enhancement of about similar to 1433 times for the UC emission intensity of the green band in the codoped phosphor compared to that of the singly Er3+ doped phosphor has been reported. Optical temperature sensing study performed in the developed codoped phosphor reveals that the material can be used temperature sensing application within 300-613K temperature range with maximum sensitivity similar to 7.9 x 10(-3)K(-1) at 300 K. The low-voltage cathodoluminescence measurements have been performed for Na2Y2B2O7:Er3+-Yb3+ phosphors as a function of accelerating voltage and filament current. The developed phosphors exhibit highly intense green emission with some weak emission bands in violet, blue and red regions upon electron beam excitation. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.