A green-emitting iridium(III) complex Ir(dfppy)2(cbphen) (dfppy=2-(4′,6′-difluoro-phenyl)pyridine, cbphen=4-carboxylate-phenanthroline) was synthesized and fully characterized. The single crystal data confirm its Ir(C^N)2(N^N) structure with the carboxylate group on phenanthroline stretching freely which could be able to combine with europium(III) ion. The complex was reacted with EuCl3·6H2O and Eu(TTA)3·2H2O to provide bimetallic complexes. Through photophysical studies, characteristic emission from EuIII ion was obtained, and meanwhile the green emission from iridium(III) center was almost quenched completely, suggesting this iridium(III) complex is a good sensitizer for EuIII ions. It is well worth noticing that by introducing the iridium(III) complex as a chromophore, the excitation wavelength of EuIII ion has been extended to the visible range (470nm). Besides, due to the efficient energy transfer, the quantum yield of Ir3-Eu was nearly equal to that of Eu(TTA)3·2H2O.