Low-temperature loading of Cu+ species over porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and adsorptive desulfurization with Cu+-loaded MOFs

► Cu+ can be introduced in one step over metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). ► Cu+-loaded MOFs show high uptake of benzothiophene. ► Cu+ and MOFs show a synergetic effect in the adsorption. ► Cu+-loaded MOFs are very stable and lead to π-complexation to benzothiophene.