The photoluminescence(PL) properties of Y2O3:Eu3+nanophosphors were systematically investigated with the goal of improving the color quality and quantum efficiency of Y2O3:Eu3+nanophosphors for potential applications in nanoscale devices. The emission spectra, excitation spectra and fluorescence decay curves were employed to trace the energy transfer process from Eu3+at C3isite to Eu3+at C2site. The experimental results show that the energy transfer process becomes more and more efficient with the increase in the Eu3+concentration. The emission of Eu3+at C2site is favorable because it has high radiative efficiency and better color quality. The successful suppress of the emission Eu3+at C3iis especially important for its applications in general illumination or display technology. The quantum efficiency and color quality of Y2O3:Eu3+can be improved by controlling the energy transfer between the Eu3+at S6site and Eu3+at C2site.
