Catalytic and/or adsorbent compositions are formed with greater flexibility to optimize various properties, such as strength and catalytic activity by employing a synthetic clay binder having a small particle size, e.g., an average particle size no greater than about 100 nm. Embodiments of the present invention comprise compositions containing a catalytic component and/or adsorbent component and laponite which functions as a binder either alone or with an additional binder component. Embodiments of the present invention further include a catalytic and/or adsorbent composition containing an inorganic binder and laponite as a lubricant to facilitate shaping, as by extrusion.