Sorbent for halogen compounds

A method for preparing a sorbent comprises the steps of: mixing together a particulate calcium silicate cement and a particulate alkali metal compound; and treating the mixture with water to hydrate the calcium silicate cement, wherein the particulate alkali metal compound may comprise a oxide, hydroxide, carbonate or hydrogen carbonate and the sorbent is shaped before and/or after the treatment with water. The method may also comprise a drying step to remove excess water at 5-50°C. The calcium silicate cement may be a Portland cement. The alkali metal is sodium and/or potassium. The particulate alkali metal compound may be present in the sorbent in the range 3-86% by weight and may be in the form of a powder with an average particle size, [D50], of 5-100 µm. The water may contain alkali metal carbonate. The mixture may further comprise a binder or a particulate support material. A process for removing a halogen compound from a fluid stream using the sorbent prepared by this method are also disclosed.