Ce3+ sensitized Tb3+ ion doped YPO4 nanophosphor is synthesized by simple polyol method using ethylene glycol as capping agent as well as reaction medium. Green emission from Tb3+ ion doped YPO4 nanophosphor has been enhanced with incorporation of Ce3+ ion into the matrix of YPO4:Tb3+. XRD of YPO4:Tb3+ annealed at 900 degrees C reveals crystalline tetragonal structure without any impurity phase. Morphology of YPO4:Tb3+ nanophosphor was also studied. Homogenous incorporation of rare earth, RE (RE = Tb3+, Ce3+) ion into the host matrix were given in EDAX spectra. TGA/DTA analysis shows phase transformation of the as-prepared sample. Also, it is found that the as-prepared sample were readily re dispersible in water due to presence of-OH group. By using an alternate oxidising and reducing agent, behaviour of luminescence switching (ON and OFF) can be examined. Lifetime decay of Tb3+ ion doped YPO4 nanophosphor was also studied. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.