Cu-based metal–organic framework/activated carbon composites for sulfur compounds removal

•Incorporation of AC less than 2% in MOF-199 can increase micropores and BET surface area, as evidenced by N2 adsorption.•Lewis acid (unsaturated copper) sites could also be increased in the modified MOF-199, as revealed by Py-IR characterization.•Composite with 2% AC showed highest sulfur capacity with 8.46 and 8.53% for H2S and CH3SCH3, respectively.•The adsorption of CH3SCH3 on composite is reversible, physic-adsorption and weak chemisorption were involved.