Carbon-cobalt (C/Co) composite nanofibers with diameters from 100 to 300 nm were prepared by electrospinning and subsequent heat treatment. They were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, galvanostatic cell cycling and impedance spectroscopy. As a lithium storage material, these fibers exhibit excellent electrochemical properties with high reversible capacity (>750 mA h g(-1)) and good rate capability (578 mA It g(-1) at 1 C rate). These composite fibers are a promising anode material for high-power Li-ion batteries. (c) 2007 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.