Novel bifunctional magnetic-photoluminescent nanofibers based on Fe2O3 nanoparticles and europium complex Eu(DBM)(3)(Bath) (DBM = dibenzoylmethanate, Bath = bathophenanthroline) have been prepared by electrospinning. Extensive characterizations of the resulting bifunctional nanofibers have been performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The influence on photoluminescence properties of bifunctional nanofibers of the addition of Fe2O3 nanoparticles has also been studied. The results indicate that due to decreased symmetry in the composite nanofibers the excitation bands of the composite nanofibers are split into two different components. Furthermore, the existence of the Fe2O3 and polymer hybrid matrixes can improve the thermal and photo stability of the europium complex and elongate the fluorescence lifetime of the europium complex. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.