A novel nitrated asphaltene-derived adsorbent (Asf-Nitro) was prepared using facile isolation and modification procedures. The successful modification was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The nitrated adsorbent was evaluated in terms of dispersive and specific interactions, Lewis acid-base properties and adsorption isotherms by means of inverse gas chromatography (IGC). Nitration was found to be extremely effective in enhancing adsorption properties of asphaltenes towards variety of chemical compounds. Asf-Nitro adsorbent exhibits superior dispersive interactions (197.50 +/- 1.12 mJ m(-2) at 423 K), as compared to unmodified asphaltenes, which are comparable with activated carbons, zeolites or alumina. Examination of the specific interactions revealed a shift from basic to acidic character of the surface, what will be beneficial for adsorption of alkaline gases. Additionally, adsorption isotherms revealed that developed surface properties of the Asf-Nitro results in more than doubled monolayer adsorption capacity. Obtained results demonstrates the applicability of the asphaltene-derived materials in adsorption processes as highly effective and low cost adsorbents. This studies revealed a highly effective adsorption of environmentally important VOCs, e.g. n-butanol (odorous compound), trichloromethane (chlorinated hydrocarbon) and benzene (carcinogenic).