GdAl3(BO3)(4):Eu3+ red-emitting phosphors were prepared by evaporation of nitrates and H3BO3 solution and then calcination at 1423 K. The excitation and emission spectra of undoped GdAl3(BO3)(4) and Eu3+-doped GdAl3(BO3)(4):Eu3+ phosphors in VUV-vis spectral range were investigated, showing that GdAl3(BO3)(4):Eu3+ phosphors have better CIE chromaticity coordinates in comparison with the commercial phosphor (Y,Gd)BO3:Eu3+ (YGB). The energy transfer between Gd3+ and Eu3+ in Gd1-xEuxAl3(BO3)(4) phosphors is discussed based on the luminescence spectra and the decay curves, demonstrating that the energy transfer of Eu3+ Gd3+ is inefficient but that of Gd3+ : Eu3+ is efficient and the Gd3+ Eu3+ energy transfer efficiency increases with the increasing of Eu3+ concentration. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.