In this paper, fibrous membranes of poly(vinyl alcohol)/alpha-2-K8P2W17MO61 (M=Co, Ni) were prepared by electrospinning technique. Calcining the fibrous membranes at 340 degrees C for 6 h, fibrous membranes of pure alpha-2-K8P2W17CoO61 and alpha-2-K8P2W17NiO61 were obtained, respectively. Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction showed that Dawson-Wells structure of the polyoxometalates was still remained in the fibrous membranes. Scanning electron microscopy images and diameter distribution curves of the fibrous membranes indicated that the average diameter of alpha-2-K8P2W17CoO61 fibers was about 145 nm, and alpha-2-K8P2W17NiO61 about 168 nm. The magnetic property of the fibrous membranes was investigated. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.