In this work, various nano-sized samples of Y ₂ O ₃, Y ₂ O ₃ :Eu and Y ₂ O ₃ :Eu , Sr were prepared by urea solution combustion method. Then the resultant nanopowders were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and photo-luminescence emission spectra. Furthermore, the CIE color coordinate of samples were calculated from photoluminescence emission spectra. Results showed that by doping of strontium, the photoluminescence intensity and chromaticity of Y ₂ O ₃: Eu phosphor was enhanced while crystallite size was decreased.