The authors report on one-dimensional (1D) aluminium oxide (Al 2O3) nanoflakes fabrication on hollow periphery by using a simple hydrothermal corrosion method on the aluminium foil. The authors used the electrospun poly(acrylnitrile) (PAN) nanofibres as a template on aluminium foil to obtain 1D Al2O3 nanoflakes structure. Two important experimental parameters were governed in forming the 1D Al 2O3 nanoflakes; first the temperature and second the duration of the heating time. Field emission scanning electron microscopy image revealed that the formation of Al2O3 nanoflakes structure coated on the hollow periphery. Based on experimental findings, the authors propose a possible mechanism for the formation of Al2O3 nanoflakes on electrospun PAN nanofibres with and without aluminium foil substrates. © 2011 The Institution of Engineering and Technology.