We report nano-Y2O3:Eu3+ phosphors with particle size of about 50 nm and relatively high photoluminescence (PL) intensity which is close to the standard for application. The influences of the dope amount, the surfactant and the precipitation pH on the PL intensity, the particle size and the dispersion have been studied. It has been found that 4% is the best Eu3+ molar concentration to get the highest PL intensity for both nano- and micro-Y2O3:Eu3+. The addition of butanol as a surfactant inhibits the grain growth and the agglomeration of particles efficiently by reducing the oxygen bridge bonds. As the pH rises, the PL intensity and the particle size increase due to the formation of oxygen bridge bonds. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.