Ce-doped p-type ZnO nanofibers were synthesized by electrospinning and followed calcinations. The surface morphology, elementary composition, and crystal structure of the nanofibers were investigated. The field effect curve confirms that the resultant Ce-doped ZnO nanofibers are p-type semiconductor. A p-n heterojunction device consisting of Ce-doped p-type ZnO nanofibers and n-type indium tin oxide (ITO) thin film was fabricated on a piece of quartz substrate. The current-voltage (I-V) characteristic of the p-n heterojunction device shows typical rectifying diode behavior. The turn-on voltage appears at about 7V under the forward bias and the reverse current is impassable. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.