Hydrodynamic structuring of alkoxide-based sots in an electrical field is a promising technique to fabricate one-dimensional materials as free-standing fiber mats with high surface area and precisely controlled microstructure. Hollow (x-LiFeO2 and composite or-LiFeO7/C nanofibers were prepared as self-supported 3D architectures of ceramic fibers by single-step electrospinning of metal alkoxide sots. The spinet fibers exhibited a crystalline spinet phase with uniform fiber diameter and morphology that was modified by a thin sheath of amorphous carbon in the composite fibers that enhances the electrical conductivity and also has a structure-holding influence. The atomic scale mixing and pre-existing -Li-O-Fe- units in the spinning solution were the delivers of observed phase purity and control over the surface properties verified by high resolution TEM data. Galvanostatic and potentiostatic studies confirmed the superior electro-chemical behaviors of alpha-LiFeO2 and alpha-LiFeO2/C nanofibers as high-energy density anode materials in half-cell configuration. alpha-LiFeO2/C composite nanofibers showed after 50 cycles a discharge capacity of 821 mAh/g at 0.1 C with a capacity retention of 75% from the 2nd to 50th cycle, whereas the discharge capacity of alpha-LiFeOz-hollow nanofibers was found to be 756 mAh/g with a capacity retention of 68%. Flexible composite nanofiber networks are promising solution enabling improved electronic and ionic conductivity and mechanical stability for the development of lithium-ion batteries with high power and energy densities. Investigations on the stability and rate capability of alpha-LiFeO2/C-composite electrode studied at different rates of 0.1 C, 0.25 C and 0.5 C for 75 cycles also showed high capacity values that indicated their potential as anode materials. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.