Mn2+ doped bulk and nano-sized MgAl2O4 phosphors are synthesized by high-temperature solid-state reaction and combustion method, respectively. The bulk phosphor exhibits bright green fluorescence and phosphorescence, while the nanophosphor however exhibits only red fluorescence without phosphorescence. The different luminescence properties are studied based on the analysis of excitation and emission spectra as well as phosphorescence decay curves. The enhancement of the green and red luminescence with doping Mn2+ is discussed. (C) 2011 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.