Structural and optical characterization of nanosized La(OH)3:Sm3+ phosphor

► Sm3+:La(OH)3 nano-phosphor (∼40 nm) were synthesized using combustion synthesis. ► Sample yields several peaks in green-NIR regions on 532 nm excitation. ► A bright orange-red perception is observed in annealed sample. ► Ten times emission enhancements observed in annealed sample. ► Time resolved emission spectroscopy reveals pronounced effect of better crystallinity.