Methods for a facile, template free and one-step synthesis of nanoporous carbons by using a heterocyclic aromatic organic compound as a single source precursor of both carbon and nitrogen are described. The heterocyclic aromatic organic compound contains nitrogen in pyrrolic and/or pyridinic positions and is chemically activated with NaOH, KOH or ZnCl2 at high temperatures in a solid state mixture as a synthesis protocol to promote fine micropores during carbonization. Nanoporous carbons synthesized by these methods that have superior gas sorption/storage and energy storage properties are also described. The nanoporous carbons are useful as carbon sequestration agents and supercapacitors.