A series of (Y1-z,Gdz)1-x-y(Pz,V1-z)O4: xEu3+,yBi3+ red phosphors have been synthesized by a solvent thermal-sol gel method. The crystal structure, surface morphology and spectral characteristics of the samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM and fluorescence spectrophotometer, respectively. It is found that the synthesized crystalline powders are of tetragonal system. The doped ions have little impact on the matrix crystal structure. The sample grains show short rods or elliptical and the structure is uniform and loose. The excitation spectrum is composed of the broadband in 250~400 nm (O2--V5+ band and Eu3+-O2- band). The strongest emission peak locates at 619 nm(Eu3+: 5D0→7F2). The best doping amount of Eu3+ is 5 mol% and the excess concentration will lead to concentration quenching. The co-doping of Bi3+, Gd3+ and P5+ can improve the luminous intensity of the samples significantly. The doping of Bi3+ can make the excitation band move to near 400 nm, indicating samples can match with the N-UV chips and then be used in white-LEDs