Cr3+:Al2O3 nano-powders were prepared through low-temperature combustion synthesis (LCS) method by using glucose as a dispersion agent for the first time. The Cr3+:Al2O3 nano-powders samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and luminescence spectrometer. XRD results showed that pure alpha-Al2O3 phase was obtained for the sample fired at 1100 degrees C for 0.5 h. TEM results indicated that nano-powders were well dispersed. Luminescence spectrum analysis results indicated that the excitation spectrum of Cr3+:Al2O3 nano-powders consisted of two bands peaking at 462 nm and 579 nm, respectively, and the emission spectrum consisted of two bands peaking at 692 nm and 668 nm, respectively. (C) 2008 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier BV and The Society of Powder Technology Japan, All rights reserved.