A new red phosphor tervalent europium ion (Eu3+)-doped lanthanum molybdate (La2Mo2O9) was prepared by a flux method at 850 degrees C. The samples were characterized by application of X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) patterns, excitation and emission spectra. XRD analysis showed that single cubic phase La2Mo2O9 crystal was synthesized. The spectra analysis indicated that the phosphors could be excited by UV light of 395 nm and visible light of 470 nm, and also emit intense red light with a maximum at: 620 nm. The effects of different flux on the luminescence properties were studied in this experiment. The results showed that NH4Cl is the appropriate flux and the optimal weight percent is 5. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.