Solid photocatalysts in which the 2,4,6-triphenylpyrylium (TP) or 2,4,6-triplienylthiapyrylium cation (TTP) are encapsulated within zeolite Y or deposited on mesoporous silica are used as photosensitizers for the oxidation of sulfides, both aromatic and aliphatic, in solvents of various polarity. Contrary to the same cations in solution, these solid sensitizers are not significantly degraded during operation. An effective oxygenation takes place leading to sulfoxides, disulfides, sulfinic and sulfenic esters as well as sulfonic acids. This large scope method shows a limited dependence on the substrate structure and on conditions and is suitable for the abatement of sulfur-containing pollutants. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.