Abstract: A method for preparing an adsorbent composition for removal of mercury from an environment. A quantity of activated carbon is treated with a protein having a net negative charge to obtain a negative surface charge. Gold is plated on a treated portion of the quantity of activated carbon to form an adsorbent for the removal of mercury. The gold is plated on the activated carbon by electroless gold plating. The electroless gold plating includes adsorbing tin ions onto the treated portion of the quantity of activated carbon, adsorbing silver atoms onto the adsorbed tin, and substituting gold atoms for the adsorbed silver. The gold forms a chemical amalgam with mercury and thereby can be used to remove mercury from industrial emissions.

Abstract: The synthesis of a carbon-based catalyst from sludge materials such as produced by the paper mill industry and the like is described wherein the treated material is subjected to processing including chemical activation with an appropriate metal-based activating agent, light and humidity treatment, and pyrolysis to result in a desired carbon-based catalyst.

Abstract: The synthesis of carbon, particularly in an activated form, from sludge materials such as composed of biosolids and the like is described wherein the treated material is subjected to processing including chemical activation, light and humidity treatment, pyrolysis and physical activation to result in an activated carbon of high surface area and microporosity.