Activated carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with large surface areas and small pores were prepared by electrospinning and subsequent thermal and chemical treatments. These activated CNFs were examined as anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) without adding any non-active material. Their electrochemical behaviors show improved lithium-ion storage capability and better cyclic stability compared with unactivated counterparts. The results demonstrate that the unique structures and properties of these materials make them promising candidates as anodes in LIBs. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.