The present communication is strongly focused on the investigation of synthesis, structural and luminescence properties of cerium (Ce 3+ )-and europium (Eu 3+ )activated Zn 4 Al 22 O 37 phosphors. Ce 3+ -and Eu 3+ -doped Zn 4 Al 22 O 37 novel phosphors were prepared using a solution combustion synthesis route. Structural properties were studied using powder X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transverse electron microscopy. The optical properties were studied using ultraviolet-visible light spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; luminescence properties were studied using a photoluminescence (PL) technique. The crystal structure of the prepared Zn 4 Al 22 O 37 host and Ce 3+ -and Eu 3+ -activated Zn 4 Al 22 O 37 phosphors was investigated and was found to have a hexagonal structure. The measured PL emission spectrum of the Ce 3+ -doped Zn 4 Al 22 O 37 phosphor showed an intense and broad emission band centred at 421 nm under a 298 nm excitation wavelength. By contrast, the Eu 3+ -doped Zn 4 Al 22 O 37 phosphor exhibited two strong and intense emission bands at approximately 594 nm (orange) and 614 nm (red), which were monitored under 395 nm excitation. The Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage