A series of zwitterionic hybrid adsorbents were prepared via the ring-opening polymerization of pyromellitic acid dianhydride (PMDA) and N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl] ethylene diamine (TMSPEDA), and a subsequent zwitterionic process as well as sol-gel reaction. Their applications for Cu2+ removal by adsorption were performed. FTIR spectra confirmed the step products. TGA revealed that the initial decomposition temperature (IDT) of these zwitterionic hybrid adsorbents could arrive at near 150 degrees C. DSC showed that T-g values decreased with an increase in PMDA content in the hybrid matrix. Ion-change capacity (IEC) revealed that the cation-exchange capacities (CIECs) and anion-exchange capacities (AIECs) of these hybrid adsorbents were within the range of 9.13-11.49 and 4.97-6.28 mmol g(-1), respectively. Meanwhile, the CIECs and AIECs exhibit an opposite change trend as PMDA content increases. Adsorption experiment indicated that their adsorptions for Cu2+ ions followed Lagergren second-order kinetic model, surface adsorption and intraparticle diffusion mechanisms might be the major process. These findings demonstrated that they are promising absorbents for the separation and recovery of Cu2+ ions from contaminated water. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.