Synthesis and luminescence properties of Eu3+ and Tm3+-doped ZnNb2O6 nanocrystals by the sol-gel process were investigated. The products were characterized by differential thermal analysis (DTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). ZnNb2O6:Eu3+ shows bright red luminescence with maximum peak at 613 nm attributed to D-5(0) -> F-7(2) transition. The major blue emission peak of ZnNb2O6:Tm3+ was at 483 nm, corresponding to the transitions (1)G(4) -> H-3(6). The optimum concentration of Eu3+ and Tm3+ showing the maximum PL intensity was 4 mol% and 1 mol%, respectively. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.