In the present study, we report a novel core-shell nanogels of NaYF4:Yb3+-Er3+ nanocrystals/P(NIPAM-co-RhBHA) based on up-conversion excitation and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Firstly, up-conversion NaYF4:Yb3+-Er3+ nanocrystals were synthesized by hydrothermal method with EDTA, Er(NO3)(3), Yb(NO3)(3), Y(NO3)(3) and NaF as raw materials. Then, the nanocrystals were decorated with MPS. Finally, core-shell nanogels with thermo-responsive shells were fabricated via free radical emulsion polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) and N-acrylyl-N'-rhodamine B acylhydrazine thiourea (RhBHA) dye monomers. Their structure, stimuli-responsive behaviors were investigated via TEM, FTIR, XRD, DSC, UV-vis and PL in detail. The results suggest that the nanogels can response to multi-stimuli, such as pH value, temperature, metal ions, and they can be used as sensitive detector for Hg2+ ions. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.