Hierarchically porous N-doped carbon derived from ZIF-8 for adsorption desulfurization

•NC have been synthesized with the introduction of dicyandiamide into the cavities of activated ZIF-8 through one-step thermal treatment.•At 298K, the adsorption rate of NC-0.2 on DBT is up to 88% and the maximum adsorption capacity for DBT is 23.04mg S/g based on the experimental findings.•The isotherm curve fits the langmuir model and the quasi-second-order kinetic model.•Graphitic n and defect show a synergetic effect in the adsorption.