Magnesium aluminate (MgAl2O4) nanofibers were successfully synthesized by a combination of electro-spinning and calcination processes. The as-spun fibers were calcined at 700, 800, and 900 degrees C for 2 h to crystallization of MgAl2O4. X-ray diffraction result detected the crystalline phase of MgAl2O4. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images revealed that MgAl2O4 nanofibers had rough surfaces with diameters ranging from 323 to 377 nm and confirmed the polycrystalline structure. UV-vis DRS spectra showed strong absorption bands in UV-light regions. These results indicated that calcination temperature affected the morphological, structural, and optical properties of MgAl2O4. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.