Abstract <p>A self-propagating, simple, affordable, and single-step urea-assisted solution combustion method was adopted to synthesize a series of Er³⁺ doped Y₂Zr₂O₇ (YZO:Er) nanophosphors. The synthesized phosphor samples were thoroughly characterized using a range of advanced structural and spectroscopic techniques. X-ray diffraction confirmed the monophasic nature and structural purity of the fabricated Y_{2(1‒<i>x</i>)}Er_2<i>x</i>Zr₂O₇ doped phosphors. The synthesized nanophosphors have a disordered fluorite structure with the <InlineEquation ID="IEq1"> <EquationSource Format="TEX">\(Fm\bar {3}m\)</EquationSource> <!--InrgChem2560357Matoria-m1--> </InlineEquation> space group. The surface morphological characterization, carried out through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), validated the presence of nanoscale particles with well-defined spherical shapes and distinct boundaries. The successful doping of Er³⁺ ions into the YZO host lattice was confirmed through energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) of the Y_1.94Er_0.06Zr₂O₇ phosphor sample. The optical energy band gap of YZO: <i>x</i>Er³⁺ (<i>x</i> = 1 to 5 mol %) nanostructured phosphor was estimated through reflectance-based spectral analysis employing diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The detailed photoluminescence spectral investigation, including excitation and emission profiles, was thoroughly analyzed for <i>x</i>Er³⁺ (<i>x</i> = 1 to 5 mol %). Concentration quenching—i.e., the phenomenon of non-radiative energy loss was observed at 3 mol % of Er³⁺ in YZO nanophosphors. The colorimetric parameters based on the Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage (CIE) 1931 standards, including the CCT, color coordinates (<i>x</i>, <i>y</i>), color purity, and average CCT (<i>K</i>), were derived from the photoluminescence emission spectra for Y_{2(1–<i>x</i>)}Er_2<i>x</i>Zr₂O₇ (<i>x</i> = 1 to 5 mol %) luminescent materials. The CIE color coordinates suggested that Y_{2(1–<i>x</i>)}Er_2<i>x</i>Zr₂O₇ (<i>x</i> = 1 to 5 mol %) nanosamples fell within the green region, exhibiting variations in Er³⁺ ion concentration. Overall, the results obtained for Y_{2(1–<i>x</i>)}Er_2<i>x</i>Zr₂O₇ (<i>x</i> = 1 to 5 mol %) nanocrystalline phosphors highlight the role of RE³⁺ ion doping and support the development of more efficient luminescent materials, suitable as green-emitting components in lasers, solid-state lighting systems, advanced display technologies, and other photonic devices.</p>