ZnWO4 and Eu3+-doped ZnWO4 were prepared for the first time via a facile self-propagating combustion method. The structure, morphology and luminescence of the as-prepared ZnWO4 and Eu3+-doped ZnWO4 were characterized. The photoluminescent property of Eu3+-doped ZnWO4 complexes indicated an energy transfer from WO42- groups to Eu3+ and suggested an effective doping of Eu3+ into the lattice of ZnWO4. The photocatalytic activity of ZnWO4 and Eu3+-doped ZnWO4 was investigated by the photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB). Eu3+-doped ZnWO4 showed enhanced photocatalytic activity in the photodegradation of RhB. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.