A vanadate, Ca9Dy(VO4)(7), Was synthesized by the general high temperature solid-state reaction in air atmosphere. X-ray powder diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of single phase Ca9Dy(VO4)(7)-Photoluminescence excitation spectrum showed that the phosphor could be efficiently excited by UV-visible light from 250 to 500 nm. The characteristic emission peaks of Dy3+ were observed in the emission spectra due to the transitions of F-4(9/2) -> H-6(15/2) at 483 nm and F-4(9/2) -> H-6(13/2) at 573 nm. The photoluminescence measurements showed that the Ca9Dy(VO4)(7) exhibited an improved chromaticity compared with YVO4:Dy3+. This was ascribed to lower site symmetry and disordered cation sites in Ca9Dy(VO4)(7). The luminescence characteristics of Ca9Dy(VO4)(7) indicated that this phosphor has a possible application for white-light-emitting diode. Luminescence mechanism and site occupancies of Dy3+ ions in Ca9Dy(VO4)(7) lattices were discussed. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.