Adsorption, desorption and structure of the surface chemical compounds formed upon interaction of dibenzothiophene (DBT) in solution of n-octane with the sulfur-selective Ag/Titania sorbent for the ultradeep desulfurization of liquid fuels was characterized by the temperature-programmed Xray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) and Electron Spin Resonance. Adsorption of DBT proceeds via chemisorption via the oxygen-containing surface groups. Desorption of DBT and thermal regeneration of the "spent" Ag/Titania were studied by the complementary temperature-programmed XPS and ESR from 25 degrees C to 525 degrees C, in the high vacuum vs. air. The XPS spectrum of the pure DBT is reported for the first time. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.