A novel red phosphor BaZn2(PO4)2:Sm3+, R+ (R=Li, Na, K)

► BaZn2(PO4)2:Sm3+, R+ (R=Li, Na, K) phosphor can emit red light under 397 nm excitation. ► Its emission intensity can be efficiently enhanced by introducing R+ (R=Li, Na, K). ► BaZn2(PO4)2:Sm3+, R+ (R=Li, Na, K) may be promising a red phosphor for white LEDs.