Tb3+-doped porous LiAl5O8 nanophosphors were successfully synthesized using a single step combustion method. Structural characterization of the luminescent material was carried out with X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Surface composition was estimated from X-ray photoelectron and Auger spectroscopic techniques. The average particle size was estimated as 37 +/- 3 nm. Luminescence properties were studied by the photoluminescence spectroscopy. The phosphor showed intense luminescence in the green region due to the magnetic dipole transition of D-5(4) -> F-7(5) of the Tb3+ ion at 543 nm under 241 nm excitation. The intense 4f-4f transitions of Tb3+ outshine the luminescence from host which would otherwise deteriorate the color quality of the display device under operation. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.