The complete preparation procedure of catalytic cordierite monoliths has been studied, from the washcoating with CeO2-ZrO2 to the deposition of the active phase (V2O5) for the abatement of H2S from biogas by selective partial oxidation to sulfur at 150-200 degrees C. The washcoat deposition on the cordierite was carried out by dip coating method, while the active phase was deposited by wet impregnation after washcoat deposition and stabilization. The washcoat coating quality was evaluated with adhesion tests and SEM analysis; furthermore the washcoat was characterized by X-ray Diffraction, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Hg porosimetry. The effect on the catalytic performances of the vanadium loading variable between 2 wt% and 19 wt% was investigated in the temperature range of 150-200 degrees C in terms of H2S conversion and SO2 production. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.