Red phosphor of GdBiW2O9:Eu3+ was prepared by solid-state reaction method. The phase purity and structure of the samples were characterized by XRD. The electronic structures of GdBiW2O9 host were estimated by DFT calculation. The PLE and PL spectra were also investigated. The optimal luminescent properties of GdBiW2O9:Eu3+ phosphors were obtained at 900 degrees C with 40 mol% of Eu3+ concentration. The phosphors can be excited efficiently by 396 nm NUV light and emit intense red light peaking at 618 nm. The results indicate GdBiW2O9:Eu3+ can act as a potential red-emitting phosphor for LEDs application. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.