A novel red phosphor, Ca2BO3Cl:Sm3+, Eu3+, is synthesized by a high temperature solid-state method. The red emission intensity of Eu3+ is enhanced by codoping Sm3+ ions, with increasing Eu3+ doping content, the energy transfer efficiency (Sm3+ -> Eu3+) gradually increases to 55%. Moreover, The doped Sm3+ is found to be efficient to extend and strengthen the absorption of near-UV light with wavelength of 400-405 nm. The effect of the molar concentration of Eu3+ on the chromaticity coordinates of Ca2BO3Cl:Sm3+ Eu3+ is investigated, and the results are compared to those of the conventional red phosphor Y2O2S:Eu3+. (c) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd.