Porous carbon nanofibers with large accessible surface areas and well-developed pore structures were prepared by electrospinning and subsequent thermal and chemical treatments. They were directly used as anodes in lithium-ion batteries without adding any non-active materials such as polymer binders or electronic conductors. The electrochemical performance results show that porous carbon nanofiber anodes have improved lithium-ion storage ability, enhanced charge-discharge kinetics, and better cyclic stability compared with non-porous counterparts. The unique structures and properties of these materials make them excellent candidates for use as anodes in high-performance rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.