Pure and Ce-doped ZnO nanofibers were synthesized by the electrospinning method, and then characterized via X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the porous nanofibers were composed of particles with diameters around 20-30 nm and Ce-doping caused a decrease in the diameters of ZnO nanofibers. The acetone sensing properties of the sensor based on the nanofibers were investigated. Comparing with pure ZnO nanofibers sensor, Ce-doped ZnO nanofibers sensor exhibits better sensing properties than those to acetone. Moreover, this sensor has an optimum operating temperature of 230 degrees C, considerable sensitivity, quick response and good selectivity. The response and recovery time are about 8 s and 5 s, respectively. The high response and quick response/recovery time can be attributed to the large surface area and the enhancement of adsorption ability of surfaces in Ce-doped ZnO nanofibers. The gas sensing mechanism is also discussed. Crown Copyright (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.