In this paper, the core-shell structured NaYF4:Yb/Er@SiO2 and NaYF4:Yb/Tm@SiO2 microspheres were prepared by coating the NaYF4:Yb/Er and NaYF4:Yb/Tm phosphors on the surface of monodisperse silica via a facile colloid thermolysis process, respectively. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectra, Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, and photoluminescence were applied to characterize these samples. The obtained core-shell structured NaYF4:Ln@SiO2 phosphors exhibit a perfect spherical morphology with narrow size distribution and smooth surface. Upon IR excitation at 980 nm, the NaYF4:Yb/Er@SiO2 and NaYF4:Yb/Tm@SiO2 samples exhibit bright green and whitish blue up-conversion (UC) luminescence, respectively. These phosphors show potential applications in the displaying and biological fields. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.