Co-SnO2 composite nanofibers were synthesized by an electrospinning method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Gas sensors were fabricated by spinning these nanofibers onto flat ceramic substrates, which had signal electrodes and heaters on their top and bottom surfaces, respectively. Compared with sensors loaded with pure SnO2 nanofibers, the Co-SnO2 nanofiber sensors exhibited improved acetone sensing properties with high selectivity and rapid response and recovery times. The response was 33 when the sensors were exposed to 100 mu L/L acetone at 330A degrees C, and the corresponding response with 100 mu L/L of ethanol was only 6. The response and recovery times to acetone were about 5 and 8 s, respectively. These results indicate Co-SnO2 composite nanofibers are good candidates for fabrication of high performance acetone sensors for practical application.