Hexagonal phase Gd1-xSmx(OH)(3) nanorods were successfully synthesized through precipitation technique. Cubic phase Gd(2-x)SmxO(3) nanorods were obtained by dehydration of the corresponding Gd(1-x)Smx(OH)(3) nanorods. The dopant percentage was optimized and maintained at 5 at.%. The hydroxide and oxide nanophosphors were systematically characterized by using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and photoluminescence (PL) spectrometry. The obtained results were discussed in detail. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.