The processing of iron oxide nanoparticles derived from spray flame synthesis for specific adsorption applications is described. After the as-prepared particles proved the ability for H 2 S removal in pure gas treatment, two different nanoparticle-based composite materials were prepared. While impregnation of activated carbon with the as-prepared nanoparticles showed the expected increase in H 2 S adsorption capacities, a significant enhancement in desulfurization performance was observed for a novel iron oxide nanoparticle composite material. H 2 S adsorption was tested in fixed-bed breakthrough curve measurements. The H 2 S removal efficiency of the novel material under ambient conditions indicates highly promising properties for potential use in industrial and air pollution control applications.