In(2)O(3) nanofibers with diameters of around 60 nm have been fabricated by electrospinning with a solution containing both poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) and indium nitrate, followed by calcination in air at 700 degrees C. Without further adding catalysts or doping other metal oxides, the sensor based on the as-prepared indium oxide (In(2)O(3)) nanofibers showed high response and selectivity, fast response and recovery time towards ethanol gas. The simple preparation and excellent properties significantly advance the viability of electrospun gas sensors. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.