The adsorption properties of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) carbon nanofibers fabricated by using an electrospinning route were assessed for their applicability as a novel alternative adsorbent. Commercial fiber, A-10, was chosen for comparison. Nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms and gravimetric techniques were used to examine the porous structure, adsorption equilibrium, kinetics, and the energetic heterogeneity of the prepared adsorbent. The nitrogen adsorption and desorption isotherms showed that PAN carbon nanofibers are highly microporous with small amounts of mesoporous regions. The equilibrium data of benzene was obtained at three different temperatures (343.15, 383.15, and 423.15) K with pressures up to 4 kPa. The data correlated successfully with the Toth isotherm equation. In addition, by using this isotherm model, the adsorption affinity and isosteric enthalpy of adsorption were determined. The results of the isosteric enthalpy of adsorption and adsorption energy distribution tests/equations revealed that although PAN carbon nanofibers have a heterogeneous surface, they seem to be more homogeneous than commercial carbon fibers. Moreover, the mass transfer and thermal desorption results showed that shallow pores contained within PAN carbon nanofibers may be effective adsorbents for removing toxic compounds. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.