Nano-sized powders of ZnO phosphor were prepared by a solution combustion method (SCM). The ZnO powder prepared using Zn(OH)₂ and glycine as the oxidant and fuel, respectively, (fuel/oxidant = 0.8), show good powder characteristics such as an average grain size of 30 nm and specific surface area of 120 m²/g. Single-phase ZnO powders were obtained regardless of the fuel/ oxidant ratio. The photoluminescence spectra of the obtained ZnO powders show a single sharp peak near 390 nm corresponding to a deep blue color. This was confirmed by cathodoluminescence measurement and CIE color coordinate values. The PL spectra, powder characteristics and electrical properties show very good consistency. Furthermore, the electron carrier concentration of the ZnO nanopowders prepared by SCM is more than 3 orders of magnitude higher than that of the purest ZnO single crystal, which is commercially available. These powders could be potentially applied as blue phosphors of displays such as A.C. powder electroluminescent devices and plasma display panels.