Adsorption of dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (DMDBT) from model diesel fuel with 20 ppmw total concentration of sulfur was investigated on commercial wood based carbon exposed to hydrogen sulfide at 650 degrees C and 800 degrees C. The initial and exhausted carbons were characterized using adsorption of nitrogen, thermal analysis, potentiometric titration, FTIR, mass spectroscopy. and elemental analysis. The selectivities for DBT and DMDBT adsorption were calculated with reference to naphthalene. The results showed a marked positive effect of sulfur incorporated to the carbon matrix on the capacity and selectivity for DBT and DMDBT removal from model diesel fuel. This was linked to possible sulfur-sulfur interactions in the whole range of pores. Sulfur in the carbon matrix also contributes to activation of oxygen and oxidation of DBT to sulfoxides and sulfones. Owing to this, not only micropores but also larger pores are active in the selective adsorption. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.