Using zwitterionic hybrid polymers as adsorbent, the adsorption kinetics and isotherm, thermodynamic parameters of Delta G, Delta H and Delta S for the removal of Pb2+ from aqueous solution were investigated. It is indicated that the adsorption of Pb2+ ions on these zwitterionic hybrid polymers followed the Lagergren second-order kinetic model and Freundlich isotherm model, demonstrating that the adsorption process might be Langmuir monolayer adsorption. The negative values of Delta G and the positive values of Delta H evidence that Pb2+ adsorption on these zwitterionic hybrid polymers is spontaneous and endothermic process in nature. Moreover, the zwitterionic hybrid polymers produced reveal relatively higher desorption efficiency in 2 mol dm(-3) aqueous HNO3 Solution, indicating that they can be recycled in industrial processes. These findings suggest that these zwitterionic hybrid polymers are the promising adsorbents for Pb2+ removal and can be potentially applied in the separation and recovery of Pb2+ ions from the waste chemicals and contaminated water of lead-acid rechargeable battery. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.