In this work, the electrospun CeO2/Ag@carbon nanofiber hybrids have been prepared by combination of electrospinning and carbonization treatments. The composition and microstructure of CeO2/Ag@carbon nanofiber hybrids were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The as-prepared nanofiber hybrids exhibited excellent mechanical property. The catalytic activities of nanofiber hybrids were investigated by oxidation of benzyl alcohol and n-butyl alcohol to corresponding aldehydes and they exhibited high-efficiency, convenient separation, recovery and cyclic utilization properties. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.