Y2O3:Eu3+ red phosphors were prepared by surfactant assisted co-precipitation-molten salt synthesis method. The effects of surfactant content and annealing temperature on the structure and luminescence were investigated by X-ray diffraction and fluorescence spectrophotometer. The use of surfactant reduces the impurities on the surface of particles and promotes the reaction. The color purity of as-prepared Y2O3:Eu3+ red phosphors is improved with the presence of surfactant. In the excitation spectra, two strong bands at 394 and 466 nm are attributed to F-7(0,1)-L-5(6), F-7(0,1)-D-5(2) transitions of Eu3+ ions respectively. With the excitation of 394 or 466 nm, the as-fabricated samples reveal excellent red emission as high as that of samples monitored by 254 nm. Thus, the Y2O3:Eu3+ is a promising red phosphor for ultraviolet-visible light-emitting diodes. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.