In this work, random network structure of titanium dioxides (TiO2) nanorods was synthesized by calcining electrospun TiO2/PVP hybrid rods. Structural, optical and acetone gas sensing properties of the nanorods were investigated. The TiO2 nanorods are polycrystalline with a mixture of anatase and rutile structures. The diameter of TiO2 nanorods is about 500 nm. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra measurement at room temperature revealed that a broad emission band including the two emission peaks are about at 401 and 467 nm. The sensor shows the high response, good reproducibility and selectivity for acetone (CH3COCH) with a fast response and recovery time at 500 degrees C. In addition, the acetone sensing mechanism of the TiO2 nanorods sensors is discussed. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.