The objective of this work is to investigate the feasibility of fabrication of photo-cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers membranes using citric acid as a cross-linking agent and TiO2 nanoparticles as a photo-catalyst in the absence of components with photoactive groups. The effects of TiO2 nanoparticles concentration and UV irradiation conditions on the surface properties, separation performance and antifouling properties of the membranes were studied. The results indicated that the TiO2 nanoparticles which were synthesized by a microwave hydrothermal method were successfully acted as a photocatalyst absorbed the UV beam; consequently the cross-linking of the PVA matrix was occurred during the membrane preparation via the UV-irradiated electrospinning process. The obtained cross-linked PVA/TiO2 nanofibers membranes showed excellent water resistance and good mechanical properties. The PVA/TiO2 nanofibers membranes had higher permeation flux and oil rejection and lower fouling tendency in comparison to the neat PVA membrane. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.