The study investigates the selective adsorption of high ionization potential (IP) organic pollutants in wastewater using metal-based carbon materials (M-N-C, where M=Fe, Co, and Ni). The adsorbents are designed to facilitate the transfer of electrons from the surface to the pollutants, compensating for their low electron-donating capacity. This approach enhances the adsorption efficiency of pollutants with high IP values, such as Rhodamine B, Bisphenol, and nitrobenzene. The adsorbents exhibit robust performance, including effective removal of trace contaminants, resistance to various salts, reusability, and stability. The adsorption process is influenced by the coordination mode between the adsorbent and metal, with iron playing a crucial role as an electron bridge. The adsorption mechanism involves both physisorption and chemisorption, with chemisorption being the dominant process. The adsorbents show superior performance under specific pH conditions and exhibit good stability and practicality, making them promising for wastewater treatment applications.The study investigates the selective adsorption of high ionization potential (IP) organic pollutants in wastewater using metal-based carbon materials (M-N-C, where M=Fe, Co, and Ni). The adsorbents are designed to facilitate the transfer of electrons from the surface to the pollutants, compensating for their low electron-donating capacity. This approach enhances the adsorption efficiency of pollutants with high IP values, such as Rhodamine B, Bisphenol, and nitrobenzene. The adsorbents exhibit robust performance, including effective removal of trace contaminants, resistance to various salts, reusability, and stability. The adsorption process is influenced by the coordination mode between the adsorbent and metal, with iron playing a crucial role as an electron bridge. The adsorption mechanism involves both physisorption and chemisorption, with chemisorption being the dominant process. The adsorbents show superior performance under specific pH conditions and exhibit good stability and practicality, making them promising for wastewater treatment applications.