beta-NaYF4:Yb3+(25%),Ho3+(1%) microprisms with different grain sizes were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The structure, composition and upconversion emission properties of the products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffractometer, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and spectrophotometer. It is found that with the decrease of NaF/NH4HF2 ratios in solution, the lengths of the beta-NaYF4:Yb3+(25%),Ho3+(1%) microprisms increase from similar to 5 to similar to 15 mu m. The enhancements in the UC emissions with the increase of grain sizes resulted from the raise of the Yb3+ concentrations in crystals. Applying these materials at the back of a-Si single junction and a-Si/a-Si tandem solar cells, currents of 2.34 and 1.02 mu A are obtained under 60 mW (80 mW/cm(2)) 980 nm laser excitation, respectively. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.