Samaria nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning homogeneous viscous solutions of samarium citrate in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and calcining the nanofibers at 1000 degrees C for 2 h. PVA solutions of varied concentrations e.g. 19%, 23% and 25% (by weight) were used as polymer precursors. Electrospinning was carried out at 9 kV DC by maintaining tip to collector distance (TCD) of 7 cm. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of nanofibers room temperature (RT) to 800 C indicates the complete decomposition of organics below 750 degrees C with a weight loss of 55%. The morphology of nanofibers was observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM). The nanofibers are found cylindrical with fiber diameter in the range of 200-500 nm and aspect ratio > 1000. The average diameter of the fibers increases with the increase in PVA concentration. The diameter of calcined Samaria nanofibers reduced by 43% due to loss of organics and shrinkage. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.