Synthesis and luminescent characteristic of Eu3+-doped (Gd,Lu)2O3 nanopowders

► Eu3+ doped (Gd,Lu)2O3 nanopowders were synthesized by the co-precipitant method. ► Thermal decomposition of the (Gd,Lu)2O3:Eu3+ powders were investigated by TG-DTA. ► (Gd,Lu)2O3:Eu3+ show emission at the 612 nm corresponding to the 5D0 → 7F2 transition. ► Optimal Eu3+ concentration, calcined temperature and time were 7 mol%, 1000 °C and 2 h.