Y2O3: Eu3+ phosphor powders were prepared by the Sol-Combustion synthesis method using a sulfur-contained organic fuel in an ethanol–aqueous solution. The structural, morphological and optical properties of the as-prepared Y2O3:Eu3+ phosphors were obtained for different fuel to host ratios (S/Y molar ratios). The estimated grain sizes were calculated using the X-ray diffraction patterns were found to vary between 158–180 nm. The grain sizes were found to slightly decrease with the increase of the S/Y molar ratios. From photo luminescent spectra, the main emission peak arising from the 5D0-7F2 transition was observed at 626 nm, while the weaker emissions at shorter wavelength values were ascribed to the 5D1, 5D2-7DJ (J¼1, 2, 3, …) transitions of Eu3+. From these emission spectra it was clear that the S/Y molar ratios have significant effects on the maximum intensities and phosphorescence time of these phosphors.