Samples of Y2O3:1%Er were prepared by coprecipitation method and the pH value of precipitant ammonium bicarbonate was adjusted by ammonia. Results of Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and elemental analysis showed that the chemical construction of precursors at pH range of 8.0-9.5 had little change. By X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, it was found that the pH value of precipitant had a significant impact on the content of erbium in precursor and it can influence particle size as well as its distribution of the products, both of which had important effects on the luminescent properties of the products.