Lead zirconate titanate (PZT, Pb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O-3) nanofibers were prepared from a PZT precursor sol containing PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) by electrospinning. XRD (X-ray diffraction) measurements indicated that the concentration of the sal and the heat treatment of the as-spun nanofibers at temperatures over 650 degrees C are essential for the growth of PZT phase. The effects of the PVP content on the viscosity of the sol, on the fiber morphology and on the piezoelectric characteristics were investigated. The mole ratio of PVP/(Ti+Zr) of 1.25 was found to be optimum for good piezoelectric characteristics. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.