Controlled synthesis, characterization, mechanism, and photoluminescence property of nanoerythrocyte-like HoVO4 with high uniform size and morphology

► Nanoerythrocyte-like HoVO4 had been synthesized on a large scale by a facile complex agent assisted hydrothermal method. ► Possible mechanisms of the nanoerythrocyte-like HoVO4 was proposed. ► The PL spectra of the HoVO4 with different size and morphology displayed the same emission band with diverse relative intensity. ► The PL of the HoVO4 illuminate the size and morphology of material play a critical role in the PL intensity.