Metal catalysts supported on activated carbon fibers for removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from incineration flue gas

► We test the effectiveness of the ACF-supported metal catalysts in the removal of all 16 PAH species from flue gas. ► The order of the PAHs removal of three Pd loadings was in accordance with the mesopore volume of the ACFs catalysts. ► Pt was more easily adsorbed on ACFs than Pd and Cu, and Pt was the most active metal in oxidation of the PAHs. ► The mesopore volumes and density of new functional groups on the ACFs increased after treating with HNO3 and NaOH solutions. ► The ACFs-supported metal catalysts could improve significantly the removal efficiencies of the higher-ring PAHs.