The influence of sewage sludge-based activated carbons ( SSAC) on sewage sludge liquefaction has been carried out at 350 and 400 degrees C. SSAC increased the yield and energy density of bio-oil at 350 degrees C. The metallic compounds were the catalytic factor of SSAC obtained at 550 degrees C ( SSAC-550), while carbon was the catalytic factor of SSAC obtained at 650 degrees C. Liquefaction with SSAC redistributed the species of heavy metals in solid residue ( SR). With the addition of SSAC, the risk of Cu, Zn and Pb decreased at 350 degrees C, while at 400 degrees C the risk of Cd, Cu, and Zn were decreased. Ecological risk index indicated that 400 degrees C was preferable for the toxicity decrement of SR, while risk assessment code indicated that SR obtained at 350 degrees C contained lower risk. Considering the bio-oil yield, liquefaction at 350 degrees C with SSAC-550 was preferable. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.