We reported the preparation of cubic (alpha-) and hexagonal (beta-) NaYF4 particles in high boiling organic solvents 1-octadecene (ODE) and oleic acid (OA), through a thermal decomposition synthesis route. The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectra. By tuning the OA/ODE volume ratio and reactant concentration, we could manipulate the morphology, size, and crystal structure of the products. Highly uniform beta-NaYF4 submicroplates were obtained from alpha-NaYF4 nanoparticles by increasing the OA/ODE volume ratio, while the phase kept unchanged with the increasing of reactant concentration. Upconversion emissions from UV to NIR emissions were observed in beta-NaYF4 hexagonal submicroplates under 980 nm laser diode excitation. In addition, the enhanced UV and blue upconversion emissions were obtained by varying Tm3+ and Yb3+ ion concentration. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.