Copper supported on zirconia was used to separate low thiophene concentration from a mixture of 2000 ppmw of thiophene ill n-octane at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The results show that the capacity of copper on zirconia to adsorb thiophene increases as the copper content increases, reaching a maximum at a concentration of 3% of copper. The adsorption capacity also depends on the treatment used, and the higher capacities are observed in adsorbents treated with a flow of N2O at 90 degrees C. These samples possess a notable saturation adsorption capacities of 0.49 mmol of thiophene per grams of adsorbent. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.