CeF3: Er3+, Yb3+ nanoplates have been successfully synthesized by a solvothermal method with further calcinations. The crystalline phase, size and optical properties were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive spectroscopy.(EDS) and upconversion luminescence (UCL). All the as-prepared samples showed blue emission (487 nm), green emissions (523 nm, 546 nm) and red emission (654 urn) under 980 nm excitation. The main mechanism of upconversion is attributed to the energy transfer (ET) among Yb3+ and Er3+ ions in excited states. The results illustrate the large potential of this new class of material for photonic applications involving optoelectronics devices. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.