Scheelite-type Eu3+-doped CaMoO4 red phosphor with uniform micro-assemblies has been successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method at 120 degrees C for 10 h. The Eu3+-doped CaMoO4 microstructures were assembled by small nanostructures and the morphology of materials was found to be manipulated by dropping different alkalis into the stock solution for the first time. The structure, morphology, and luminescent property were characterized and investigated by techniques of X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and photoluminescence (PL). The luminescent investigations confirmed that the Eu3+ ions have been effectively doped into CaMoO4 nanostructures. The successfully achieved Eu3+-doped CaMoO4 nanostructures will be potential in technological applications on near UV chip-based white light emitting diode (WLED). (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.