In this research, orange emitting MgAl2O4:Eu3+ phosphors were synthesized by the facile combustion method using various fuels including aniline, hydrazine, isobutyl nitrite, piperidine, triethylamine, and urea. The crystal structure, microstructure and photoluminescence properties of the synthesized phosphors were studied using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, and photoluminescence analyzer. The results show that size of the phosphor nanoparticles is highly dependent on the fuel composition. In addition, the nanostructured phosphors presented different photoluminescence properties pertaining the applied fuel. The highest intensities of D-5(0) -> E-7(J) = 0, 1, 2 and 4) emission peaks achieved through the employment of various fuels for MgAl2O4:Eu3+ phosphor at 394 nm. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.