The desire for high performance storage devices is driven by energy demand, security and sustainability. Metal oxide based nanomaterials have limitations of high cost, poor cycle life, low yeild and structural stability. In comparison, carbon materials exhibit porous structure, work well in a wide potential window, and are highly conductive. Hence, they show enhanced rate capability and cycle life. In this work, one dimensional (1D) carbon nanofibers are synthesized with the help of electrospun PAN nanofibers as precursors. These electrospun carbonaceous nanostructures can be employed as electrodes as well as substrates, leading to structural stability after cycling and increased electrode conductivity. The morphologies and structures of as-spun nanofibers were investigated in order to develop a fundamental understanding of the nucleation and growth mechanism of carbon nanofibers. These high surface area carbon nanofibers were used as anode material for sodium (Na)-ion batteries. The electrochemical performance was first optimized in a half cell configuration. These batteries can deliver a capacity of 300 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1, with cycling stability of 82% for more than >500 cycles. Thus, these electrodes can become useful in batteries beyond lithium.