The residual sludge produced by industrial sewage treatment is used as raw material. After drying, the sludge is activated by adding activator. After drying, grinding, adding inert gas pyrolysis carbonization. Finally, after cooling, washing and drying, the activated carbon based on sludge was prepared. Using a large amount of residual sludge produced by industrial sewage treatment as raw material, the preparation of activated carbon from sludge has achieved the purpose of "turning waste into treasure" and "treating waste with waste", and has significant environmental and social benefits. At the same time, the organic matter in the sludge can be completely carbonized under the condition of high temperature pyrolysis.