Fabrication of V2O3/C core-shell structured composite and VC nanobelts by the thermal treatment of VO2/C composite

► Belt-like V2O3/C core-shell structured composite has been successfully synthesized. ► Vanadium carbide (VC) has been successfully synthesized. ► The carbon coated on the surface of V2O3 and VC is amorphous. ► Some C-H groups remain in the as-obtained V2O3/C and VC. ► VC has good thermal stability and oxidation resistance below 335 °C in air.