Cu2O-incorporated MAF-6-derived highly porous carbons for the adsorptive denitrogenation of liquid fuel

•Highly porous carbon, MDC, was obtained from pyrolysis of MAF-6/KOH.•Cu2O particles were incorporated within the MDC under mild reaction condition.•Cu2O/MDC adsorbs 5–6 times of quinoline and indole, compared with activated carbon.•The adsorbent was selective for quinoline and indole than toluene, and could be recycled facilely.•The remarkable/selective adsorptions were explained by π-complex formation/porosity.