A MCM-41 sorbent containing two metal oxides (CuO, CeO2) and an alkaline additive (LiCl) was prepared to remove SO2 from gas streams at 673 K. Two impregnation methods i.e. the template-ion exchange and the two solvents impregnation method were employed yielding a high dispersed state of the metal oxides inside the porosity of the MCM-41 sorbent. The MCM-41 sorbent was found to have a high adsorption capacity of 130 mg SO2/g at 673 K. During the adsorption process, cerium oxide partially oxidized SO2 into SO3 which was further chemically adsorbed on active sites (CuO, Li2O). The formation of CuSO4 and Li2SO4 was observed by X-ray diffraction after the reaction. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.