Ordered mesoporous nanocrystalline titanium-carbide/carbon composites are synthesized by using a solvent-evaporation-induced self-assembly process combined with in situ carbothermal reduction (see figure). The composites comprise crystalline titanium carbides confined in a matrix of amorphous carbon pore walls. The nanocomposites possess a highly ordered 2D hexagonal mesostructure, large uniform pores, high surface areas and controllable titanium content. The TiC nanocrystals enhance the oxidation resistance of carbon frameworks.