Enhancing Sm3+ emission of LiLa(MoO4)2:Sm3+, Bi3+ phosphors by non-sensitization of Bi3

In order to obtain high-efficiency luminescent materials, the energy transfer between Bi3+ ions and rare earth ions co-doped compounds has been studied extensively. Herein, a novel red phosphor LiLa(MoO4)2:Sm3+, Bi3+ is synthesized by solid-state reaction. Interestingly, Bi3+ ions act as non-sensitizers to enhance the luminescent intensity of Sm3+ ions in this system. We try to explain the novel non-sensitization of Bi3+ ions. The characterization results of the samples indicate that the dopant Bi3+ ions used can generate the microstrain on the crystals. After analysis, the microstrain may be one of the important factors to enhance the luminescence of Sm3+ ions. •Red phosphors LiLa(MoO4)2:Sm3+, Bi3+ are prepared by solid-state reaction.•Bi3+ ions act as non-sensitizers to enhance the luminous efficiency of Sm3+ ions nearly twice.•The crystal structure and luminescent properties of LiLa(MoO4)2:Sm3+, Bi3+ are analyzed.•The reason of non-sensitizer Bi3+ to enhance Sm3+ emission are discussed.