Static-air-activated carbon fibers (ACFs) with lotus-root-like axially porous structure were used to adsorb 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) from aqueous solution. The adsorption isotherm was evaluated in the pH range 3.0-11.0. Results indicated that both Langmuir and Redlich-Peterson adsorption isotherms were appropriate for describing the adsorption characteristics of 2,4-DCP at various pH values and that lower pH values were favorable for adsorption. The adsorption of 2,4-DCP was controlled by the synergetic effects of pi-pi interaction and electrostatic attraction, and the former was dominant. Breakthrough curve results showed that the 2,4-DCP removal efficiency increased with an increase in the empty-bed contact time (EBCT). An EBCT of 0.660 min was sufficient for the adsorption of 2,4-DCP onto ACF, indicating a high adsorption rate. Desorption experiment results revealed that the ACF saturated with 2,4-DCP could be regenerated effectively by a 0.001 M NaOH solution. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.