One-dimensional (1D) zinc vanadate (alpha-Zn2V2O7) nanofibers have been synthesized through electrospinning combined with an annealing process. When used as anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), electrospun 1D alpha-Zn2V2O7 nanofibers exhibit a reversible capacity of similar to 708 mAh g(-1) after 100 cycles at a current density of 50 mA g(-1). A good rate capability is also achieved even at higher current densities. When cycled at a current density of 2000 mA g(-1), the electrode can still show a reversible capacity of similar to 311 mAh g(-1). The excellent cycle performance and rate capability may be due to the 1D nanofiber architectures, mesoporous structures, and relatively large specific surface area, which can provide a short ion diffusion path and continuous electron transportation. Therefore, this work presents a simple and efficient approach for fabrication of 1D alpha-Zn2V2O7 nanofibers, which are promising high-performance anode materials for LIBs. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.