To enable zeolite to trap bulky environment pollutants such as tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), we tailored the porous structure of MCM-22 zeolite by desilication to obtain a sample with mesopores centered 3.5 nm, in order to promote the mass transport. The meso-MCM-22 was further functionalized with -SO3H group to enhance the efficiency in adsorption of TSNAs. The composites were characterized by XRD and BET methods, and their adsorptive function was assessed in both liquid adsorption of N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) and the adsorption of TSNAs in aqueous tobacco-extract solution. Grafting -SO3H group on alkaline-treated MCM-22 significantly elevated the adsorption toward nitrosamines, and the resulting composite could reduce above 70% of NNN in dichloromethane solution or 54% of TSNAs in tobacco-extract solution. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.