A class of micron-meter scale phosphors YxGd2-x(MoO4)(3):Eu3+ (x = 0.10, 0.20,0.50,0.75 and 0.90) were prepared through a co-precipitation approach. After being heated with mild hydrothermal method under 180 degrees C for 24 h, strong red emissions of the above composites were observed when irradiated by 244 nm. Both X-ray diffraction and scanning electronic microscope exhibits that these materials have the particle size of around 500 nm and show novel column or rod-like structures. When x = 0.5, Y0.5Gd1.5(MoO4)(3):Eu3+ shows the strongest emission intensity comparing with other molar ratio of Y to Gd. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.