Large area La(OH)(3):Eu3+ nanobelts were synthesized in aqueous solution containing La(NO3)(3), Eu(NO3)(3), and CH3COONH4 with a current density of 2.0 mA cm(-2) at 343 K via a simple and efficient electrochemical deposition. The nanobelts typically have an average diameter of 100-200 nm, and length of up to hundreds nanometers. The surface morphologies of La(OH)(3):Eu3+ can be well controlled by changing the concentration of CH3COONH4 and the current densities. CH3COONH4 plays a key role in the formation of nanostructures. The gas bubbles functioning as a dynamic template were firstly utilized in our research for the synthesis of nanobelts. The photoluminescence properties of the as-prepared and annealed nanobelts were also investigated. Crown Copyright (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.