The improved luminescent performance and color tuning owing to Y3+ incorporation in SrGd1.94-2xEu0.06Y2xO4 phosphors were reported for the first time. The samples were synthesized by facile auto combustion method. The phase identification, recognition of structural entities, morphological evolution and luminescence properties were examined by means of X-ray diffraction, FTIR, FESEM, TEM, UV-vis and photoluminescence (PL) studies. The sensitizing effect of Gd3+ was modulated by metal ion (Y3+) incorporation. The substitution of Y3+ ions caused lattice shrinkage which alters the local crystal structure and elevates the asymmetric environment around Eu3+. Upon 276 nm UV excitation, SrGd1.94- 2xEu0.06Y2xO4 phosphors showed intense red emission and high thermal stability up to 220 degrees C than Y3+ free samples. Thermoluminescence (TL) studies of gamma-irradiated SrGd1.94-2xEu0.06Y2xO4 samples exhibited broad TL profile and linear dose response in the dose range 10-80 Gy. Present research encourages the bright prospects of SrGd1.94-2xEu0.06Y2xO4 phosphors for display and TL dosimetry applications. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.