Transparent alumina nanofibers have been fabricated from a suitable inorganic-organic composite solution by spinning in an electric field (strength similar to 70-90 kV/m) applied between the tip of a needle and the target plate. Upon firing and sintering under carefully pre-selected time-temperature profiles (heating rate, temperature and soak time), high-purity and crystalline alumina nanofibers retaining the morphological features of the electrospun composite fibers were obtained. Tools such as laser Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy together with energy dispersive spectroscopy and selected area electron diffraction were employed to follow the systematic evolution of the ceramic phase and its morphological features in the fired fibers. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.