Flexible zeolite nanofibers with high surface area were synthesized by an electrospinning method and a thermal surface partial etching process. The thermal surface partial etching temperature range for maintaining flexibility of zeolite nanofibers was investigated based on thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the as-spun zeolite nanofibers were thermal etched at a temperature range from 250 degrees C to 450 degrees C. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) images clearly showed that the polymer surface of the nanofibers was partially etched, and zeolite particles were exposed on the surface of the nanofibers. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed that a phase change did not occur in the zeolite nanofibers with a thermal etching process. The specific surface area characteristics were analyzed by N-2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, and the thermal surface etched zeolite nanofibers at 400 degrees C had a specific surface area of 816 m(2)/g similar to the value of zeolite powders. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V.All rights reserved.