Different morphologies of ZnO nanomaterials (long nanofibers, rod-like short nanofibers and nano-powders) were successfully synthesized by electrospinning process and chemical precipitation, respectively. A comparative ethanol sensing study among the three samples were also performed. The results indicate that the ZnO long nanofiber sensor shows desirable response to ethanol at 270 degrees C with good stability, which is attributed to the long nanofiber structures. This sample also presents good selectivity and fast response-recovery properties (7-9 and 9-11 s, respectively). The ethanol sensing mechanism and the advantages of the long nanofiber structure in sensing materials were also discussed. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.