A series of hierarchically porous ZIF-8 particles was synthesized using low-cost sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as the template for mesopores and macropores in an aqueous system. The as-synthesized ZIF-8 was lamellar, with mesopores and macropores penetrating the layers, and its external surface area could be finely tuned by changing the SDS concentration. The hierarchically porous ZIF-8 with large external surface area had more active Zn sites, and thereby exhibited superior capacity and satisfying selectivity for the adsorption of mercaptan from gasoline. Moreover, the as-synthesized hierarchically porous ZIF-8 exhibited good thermal stability at temperatures as high as 773 K and excellent regeneration ability, indicating its promise for industrial applications. The method proposed herein opens a new and simple route for the synthesis of hierarchically porous ZIF-8 with tunable porosity. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.