Fe₂O₃/ACF hybrid was rapidly fabricated using a microwave-assisted heating strategy.

Fe₂O₃ nanorods in sizes of 20 × 50 nm were homogeneously anchored on the surface of ACF.

The maximum adsorption capacity of 20.33 mg g⁻¹ As (V) on Fe₂O₃/ACF was achieved.

The adsorption of As (V) is an endothermic process (ΔH⁰ = 24.79 kJ mol⁻¹).

The presence of salt shows little effect on the adsorption of As (V).