Mn-based oxide-loaded porous carbon nanofiber anodes, exhibiting large reversible capacity, excellent capacity retention, and good rate capability, are fabricated by carbonizing electrospun polymer/Mn(CH(3)COO)(2) composite nanofibers without adding any polymer binder or electronic conductor. The excellent electrochemical performance of these organic/inorganic nanocomposites is a result of the unique combinative effects of nano-sized Mn-based oxides and carbon matrices as well as the highly-developed porous composite nanofiber structure, which make them promising anode candidates for high-performance rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.