A novel oxidized hollow carbon sphere (OHCS) as absorbent for the removal of Pb2+ was fabricated from the mixture of coal-tar pitch and aluminum isopropoxide followed by nitric acid oxidation. The as prepared OHCSs were characterized by FESEM, TEM, BET, TG, FTIR and XPS, and meanwhile the effects of adsorption conditions on the Pb2+ removal were investigated by batch experiments. Results show that the OHCSs prepared possess discrete cage-like structures and well-defined inner/outer surface features, exhibiting vertically aligned graphene-like nanosheets on their surfaces with mesoporous nature and high hydrophobicity. The maximum absorption capacity for Pb2+ of the OHCSs can reach 280.79 mg g(-1) at the optimum condition. The adsorption kinetic of Pb2+ onto the OHCSs was found to be well modeled by pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the experimental equilibrium data were represented well by Langmuir isotherm model. Moreover, the OHCSs still exhibit excellent adsorption ability and stability after recycling 5 times, indicating its excellent reusability performance. Overall, the OHCS is a promising adsorbent for Pb2+ removal. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.