Mo-and W-based oxidic bronzes, with and without Te-atoms in framework positions are active and selective, for the partial oxidation of H 2 S to sulfur in the 160-220°C temperature range. The catalysts have been prepared by a hydrothermal synthesis and heat-treated in N 2 at 600°C, and characterized by several physico-chemical techniques, i.e. AAS, S BET , XRD, SEM-EDX, DR UV-vis and XPS. Te-free catalysts are active, selective and stable for the partial oxidation of H 2 S to sulfur. V-atoms in Mo-O-V pairs can be proposed as the active sites. Moreover, Te-containing materials show fast catalyst decay. This catalyst deactivation can be related to the presence of Te 0 and MoS 2 , which are observed in used catalyst.