YNbTiO6 and YNbTiO6:xRE(3+), yMn(2+) (RE = Er, Dy) micro/nanophosphors have been synthesized by a modified sol-gel combustion method. Luminescence properties and relevant luminescence mechanisms of Er3+, Dy3+, and Mn2+-doped or co-doped YNbTiO6 phosphors were investigated. Mn2+ ions can act as effective luminescent centers in YNbTiO6:Mn2+ samples. The dipole-dipole interaction is evaluated to be the predominant energy transfer mechanism for both YNbTiO6:Er3+ and YNbTiO6:Dy3+ phosphors. The strongest emission peaks centered at 554 and 575 nm are derived from the S-4(3/2) -> I-4(15/2) transition of Er3+ and F-4(9/2) -> H-6(13/2) transition of Dy3+, respectively. The enhanced emissions of YNbTiO6:0.03Er(3+), yMn(2+) and YNbTiO6:0.04Dy(3+), yMn(2+) phosphors can be ascribed to the effective Mn2+ -> Er3+ and Mn2+ -> Dy3+ energy transfer processes, indicating that the co-doped phosphors could be the potential candidates for use in various optical devices. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.