Electrospinning is a versatile process to obtain continuous carbon nanofibres at low cost. Thermoplastic and thermosetting polymer precursors are utilized to prepare electrospun carbon nanofibres, activated carbon nanofibres through chemical and/or physical activation and functionalized composite carbon nanofibres by surface coating or electrospinning a precursor solution tailored with nanomaterials. Many promising applications of electrospun carbon nanofibres can be expected if appropriate microstructural, mechanical and electrical properties become available. This article provides an in-depth review of the research activities regarding several varieties and performance requirements of precursor nanofibres, polyacrylonitrile-based carbon nanofibres and their functionalized products, and carbon nanofibres from other precursors. (C) 2009 Society of Chemical Industry