The adsorption of SO2 on Y zeolites, variously decationated and dealum
inated, has been studied by IR spectroscopy. It is shown that the adso
rption of SO2 on Y zeolites occurs in molecular form. The temperature
of desorption of SO2 species decreases from 370 K to 300 K after decat
ionation or dealumination of the initial NaY-zeolite. Na+ cations and
OH groups are the centres of adsorption. No participation of basic and
structural Lewis acid centres in SO2 adsorption was found. (C) 1997 E
lsevier Science B.V.