Nanoparticles and nanoribbons of SbPO4 and lanthanide ions (Eu3+, Ce3+ and Tb3+) doped SbPO4 were prepared at a low temperature of 120 degrees C by co-precipitation method in solvents like ethylene glycol and glycerol. By varying the relative ratios of the two solvents, average crystallite size of SbPO4 has been varied over a range of 12 to 46 nm. Based on steady state luminescence studies, existence of energy transfer between host SbPO4 and lanthanide ions has been confirmed. Co-doping SbPO4:Tb3+ nanoparticles/nanoribbons with Ce3+, resulted in improved luminescence due to energy transfer from Ce3+ to Tb3+ ions. Further, these nanomaterials can be incorporated in sol-gel derived silica glass without any deterioration of their luminescence properties. Present study offers a viable method for preparing composite luminescent materials based on nanoparticles/ nanoribbons and glasses.