Nano-sized Nb2O5/Cr2O3/carbon clusters composite material has been successfully obtained by the calcination of a Nb(HC2O4)(5)/CrCl3/starch complex under an argon atmosphere. The compositions of the resulting composite materials were determined using ICP, elemental analysis and surface characterization by XRD and TEM. The UV-VIS and XPS spectra of the composites were also obtained. ESR spectral examinations suggest the possibility of an electron transfer in the process of Nb2O5 -> carbon clusters -> Cr2O3. The reduction reaction of methylene blue with the resulting composite material has also been examined. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.