Reticular tin nanoparticle-dispersed carbon (Sn/C) nanofibers were fabricated by stabilization of electrospun SnCl(4)/PAN composite fibers and subsequent carbonization at different temperatures. These Sn/C composite nanofibers used as anode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) show that the Sn/C nanofibers at 700 and 850 degrees C present much higher charge (785.8 and 811 mA h g(-1)) and discharge (1211.7 and 993 mA h g(-1)) capacities than those at 550 and 1000 degrees C and the as-received CNFs at 850 degrees C, corresponding to coulombic efficiencies of 649% and 81.7%, respectively. The superior electrochemical properties of the intriguing Sn/C nanofibers indicate a promising application in high performance Li-ion batteries. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.