The phosphors, CaZrO3:Er3+ and Ce3+-activated CaZrO3:Er3+ were prepared by citric acid sol-gel combustion method, and their luminescent properties were investigated. The emission spectrum exhibited broad peaks at about 527 and 548 nm due to (H-2(11/2),S-4(3/2))-I-4(15/2) transitions of Er3+ ions. There is significant energy overlap between the emission band of Ce3+ ions and the excitation band of Er3+ ions, which allows energy transfer from Ce3+ ions to Er3+ ions. The luminescent intensity was greatly improved by the incorporation of Ce3+ ions. The photoluminescent intensities of the two phosphors were compared with the different doping concentration and calcination temperature. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.