S-doped TiO2 as a novel adsorbent for Cu2+ cations removal from aqueous solutions was synthesized by simple sol-gel process. Removal of Cu2+ cations from aqueous solutions was investigated with particular reference to the effects of initial Cu2+ cations concentration, pH-value, adsorbent dosage, and temperature on adsorption. It was found that the maximum adsorption capacity was 96.35 mg g−1 at 328 K. The adsorption equilibrium isotherms and the kinetic data were well described by the Langmuir and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, respectively. The high uptake capability of S-doped TiO2 makes it a potentially attractive adsorbent for the removal of heavy metal pollutants from aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]