Free-standing paper of N-doped carbon nanofibers (NCNFs) containing SnOx was prepared by electrospinning. The structure and morphology of the sample were analyzed by XRD, XPS, SEM, and TEM. The results show that nitrogen atoms were successfully doped into CNFs. The SnOx were homogenously embedded in the N-doped CNFs via annealing treatment. Subsequently, the SnOx NCNF paper was cut into disks and used as anodes for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). The anodes of SnOx NCNFs exhibit excellent cycling stability and show high capacity of 520 mA h g(-1) tested at a 200 mAg(-1) after 100 cycles. More importantly, at a high current density of 500 mAg(-1), a large reversible capacity of 430 mA h g(-1) after 100 cycles can still be obtained. The good electrochemical performance should be attributed to the good electronic conductivity from the NCNFs and the synergistic effects from NCNFs and SnOx materials. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.