NADES-derived beta cyclodextrin-based polymers as sustainable precursors to produce sub-micrometric cross-linked mats and fibrous carbons

•A functional water-soluble beta cyclodextrin-based polymer was obtained exploiting a choline chloride/citric acid NADES.•The production of sub-micrometric fibres from the NADES-derived beta cyclodextrin-based polymer was achieved via electrospinning technique, using water as unique solvent.•Thermal treatments carried out on the spun mats allowed to obtain either cross-linked fibres or fibrous carbons.•The introduction of polyethylene oxide as pore initiation agent allowed to tune the porosity of the carbon fibres.