This study presents a biomimetic approach to enhance the conversion of elemental mercury (Hg$^0$) into mercury chalcogenides, a process crucial for detoxification and closing the global mercury cycle. Inspired by the biological detoxification of mercury in living organisms, where selenium preferentially converts mercury from sulfoproteins to HgSe, the researchers developed a biomimetic method to improve Hg$^0$ adsorption. They used sulfur-rich polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) as a Hg$^0$ transporter, where weak adsorption of Hg$^0$ on PPS leads to its migration to adjacent selenium sites for permanent immobilization. The resulting selenium-functionalized PPS (Se/PPS-I) exhibited unprecedented Hg$^0$ adsorption capacity and uptake rate, making it a promising material for Hg$^0$ removal from industrial flue gases. The in situ synthetic method used to prepare Se/PPS-I ensured a high density of available selenium ligands, enhancing its adsorption performance. The material's robustness under harsh conditions and its potential for long-term use in industrial applications were also demonstrated, making it a valuable tool for environmental remediation.This study presents a biomimetic approach to enhance the conversion of elemental mercury (Hg$^0$) into mercury chalcogenides, a process crucial for detoxification and closing the global mercury cycle. Inspired by the biological detoxification of mercury in living organisms, where selenium preferentially converts mercury from sulfoproteins to HgSe, the researchers developed a biomimetic method to improve Hg$^0$ adsorption. They used sulfur-rich polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) as a Hg$^0$ transporter, where weak adsorption of Hg$^0$ on PPS leads to its migration to adjacent selenium sites for permanent immobilization. The resulting selenium-functionalized PPS (Se/PPS-I) exhibited unprecedented Hg$^0$ adsorption capacity and uptake rate, making it a promising material for Hg$^0$ removal from industrial flue gases. The in situ synthetic method used to prepare Se/PPS-I ensured a high density of available selenium ligands, enhancing its adsorption performance. The material's robustness under harsh conditions and its potential for long-term use in industrial applications were also demonstrated, making it a valuable tool for environmental remediation.