Zn2SiO4:Tb nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel-microwave heating for the first time. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of Zn2SiO4 in willemite structure. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy showed a narrow size distribution, small size (40-50 nm) and spherical shape of the particles. Energy dispersive spectroscopy result indicated that the ratio of Tb3+/Zn2+ was in agreement with that of the feed. Photoluminescence measurement indicated that the phosphor emitted strong green light centered at 545 nm under UV light excitation. The excitation spectra confirmed the energy transfer from the host material to the Tb3+ ions. This is in favor of the effective green emission of Zn2SiO4:Tb nanoparticles. (c) 2005 Springer Science+ Business Media, Inc.