Luminescent and structural properties of Yb3+-doped Al2O3 nanopowders

► Yb:Al2O3 nanopowders exhibit excellent structural and good luminescent properties. ► RE3+:Al2O3 active nanopowders could be easily obtained from organic compounds. ► Yb:Al2O3 nanopowders exhibit luminescent properties similar to bulk oxide materials. ► Al2O3 nanocrystallites are attractive and promising hosts for Yb3+ ions. ► Yb:Al2O3 nanopowders exhibit promising luminescent properties in IR spectral range.