In this work, CdIn2O4 nanofibers with diameter about 100 nm have been synthesized successfully through an electrospinning method with the assistance of poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) followed by calcinating in air at 800 degrees C. The morphology, structure and composition of the as-prepared products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The characterization results indicated that high-purity CdIn2O4 nanofibers could be obtained by using the electrospinning method with optimal Cd/In molar-ratio. By using as-prepared CdIn2O4 nanofibers as sensing material, semiconductor-type gas sensors were constructed and used to detect ethanol vapor at ppm level. Compared to CdIn2O4 materials with conventional particulate shape, the as-prepared CdIn2O4 nanofibers sensing material exhibited improved sensing performance in sensitivity and long-term stability. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.