Silicalite-1/fly ash cenosphere (S/FAC) zeolite composite has been applied for batch adsorption of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) from water systems. Here the key experimental conditions. including the ratio of initial MTBE concentration to the amount weight of S/FAC, adsorption time and temperature, have been discussed in detail. The results show that approximately 93-95% MTBE could be adsorbed with initial concentration of MTBE solution 1000 mu g l(-1). The column flow-through experiments also prove the high capacity of S/FAC composite for MTBE removal. The distinct advantages of S/FAC zeolite composite as adsorbent lie in (I) enhanced adsorption rate and capacity based on hierarchical micro and meso/macroporosity of S/FAC; (2) more easily operation and recycling process by assembly of nano-sized silicalite-1 zeolite on FAC support. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V.