Gas-phase elemental mercury (Hg-0) capture by an activated coke (AC) supported V2O5 (V2O5/AC) catalyst was studied in simulated flue gas and compared with that by the AC. The study on the influences of V2O5 loading, temperature, capture time and flue gas components (O-2, SO2, H2O and N-2) shows that the Hg-0 capture capability of V2O5/AC is much higher than that of AC. It increases with an increase in V2O5 loading and is promoted by O-2. which indicates the important role of V2O5 in Hg-0 oxidation and capture; it is promoted slightly by SO2 but inhibited by H2O; it increases with an increase in temperature up to 150 degrees C when Hg desorption starts. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and sequential chemical extraction experiments indicate that the main states of Hg captured on V2O5/AC are HgO and HgSO4. Temperature programmed desorption experiments were also made to understand the stability of the Hg captured. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.