Lignin based activated carbons remove high amounts of SO2 in presence of O2 and H2O.
SO2 adsorption takes place on micropores higher than 7 Å except when H2O is presented.
Catalytic oxidation of SO2 can be explained by an Eley-Rideal mechanism.
Formation of H2SO4 occurs between SO3 adsorbed and water vapor.
Breakthrough curves are successfully described by the model proposed.