ZrW(2)O8:EU3+ nanophosphors (ca. 60 nm) with different Eu3+ doping concentrations were obtained using hydrothermal syntheses. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra as well as decay curve measurements were used for the characterization. Under 466 nm excitation, strong red emission at 616 nm corresponding to D-5(0)-F-7(2) transition of Eu3+ was observed for ZrW2O8:Eu3+ (9 mol%) phosphors. The values of intensity parameter Omega(2) and Omega 4 are 17.82 x 10(-20) cm(2) and 1.092 x 10(-20) cm(2), respectively. The high quantum efficiency of 83.5% of the ZrW2O8:Eu3+ (9 mol%) suggests this material could be promising red phosphor for generating white light in phosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes (LED). (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.