In this study, copper oxide nanoparticles with hierarchical morphologies (CuO) have been synthesized via a hydrothermal route. The morphology and microstructure of the as prepared samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, and SAED. CuO exhibited excellent performance for the removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solution. The effects of initial Pb(II) concentration and contact time on CuO were investigated from batch tests. The results indicate that the equilibrium adsorption data were best fitted by the Langmuir isothermal model, with the maximum adsorption capacity of 1428.5 mgg(-1) which is found to be one of the highest values reported elsewhere in the literature; adsorption kinetics follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation and intra-particle diffusion model. A possible adsorption mechanism was predicted by using FTIR, EDX techniques. Large adsorption capacity for heavy metal ion and effective regeneration ability suggesting CuO is a very promising adsorbent for metal ion removal and wastewater cleanup.