Patent ID: 7776780

Claim:
A method for preparing a catalyst for the oxidation of mercury in an effluent stream comprising: a. removing partially combusted coal from a coal fired combustion source, wherein the partially combusted coal contains between approximately 20 wt. % and 80 wt. % ash and has a surface area of approximately 10 m 2 /g to 300 m 2 /g; b. treating the partially combusted coal with a halogen to obtain a catalyst for the oxidation of mercury, wherein the catalyst has a final halogen concentration of about 1 wt. % to 10 wt. %, and wherein the treatment involves contacting the partially combusted coal with a gas phase containing chlorine gas, bromine liquid, bromine vapor or combinations thereof, or treating the partially combusted coal with hydrochloric or hydrobromic acid or combination thereof.