The major objective of this work was to characterize the status of CdTe nanoparticles attached to the surface of poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) nanofibers. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images indicated that the attachment of CdTe nanoparticles enlarged the diameter of P4VP nanofibers. Moreover, the results of the energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum and the electron diffraction pattern revealed that the deposition on the surface of P4VP nanofibers was CdTe in a cubic lattice. Furthermore, CdTe existed in its optical style according to photoluminescence spectra. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy verified Cd in CdTe nanoparticles combined with the N atom in P4VP nanofibers. Therefore, the obtained results provide some references for preparing coaxial nanofibers attached by other nanoparticles. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.