A novel ternary sol-gel route for the synthesis of SiC nanowires was proposed. In this route, alumina sol was used as the third component, which prevented the thickening of SiC nanowires. The nanowires were clad in a silicon oxide shell and have diameters of about 15 nm and lengths of several μm. As such, the nanowire have a high surface area, therefore it could be expected widespread application as a new catalytic method.