An unexpected approach to fabricate the Se/C hierarchical nanobelts via the Se-directed calcination of selenized glucose

•First report on Se/C hierarchical nanobelts (HNBs).•Amazing materials micro- and nano-morphology.•Se powder as the cheap and easily available structure director.•Predominantly enhanced specific surface area of Se/C HNBs versus simple Se/C.•Overwhelmingly better metal scavenger of Se/C HNBs than simple Se/C.