Novel hybrid strong anion exchange porous carbon fibers (HACAX) were synthesized and evaluated for adsorption of low concentrations of Cr(VI) at natural pH. Positive surface charge due to pyridinium groups enables HACAX to adsorb Cr(V) rapidly and with high capacity. HACAX showed stable and regenerable performance for adsorbing and converting Cr(VI) into Cr(III) with no change in pH, which is attributed to the catalytic activity of surface oxygen functional groups. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.