Template-free synthesis of LaPO4:Eu3+ hollow spheres with enhanced luminescent properties

► Uniform LaPO4:Eu micrometer-sized hollow spheres synthesized through a template free method. ► LaPO4:Eu hollow spheres had a stronger orange-red emission corresponding to nanorods. ► The formation mechanism for LaPO4:Eu micrometer-sized hollow sphere proposed based on the reaction results.