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A simple two-step aqueous polymerization method was introduced to synthesize a polyacrylate/polyethylene glycol (PAC/PEG) interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogel. On the basis of the effects of the ratio of PAC to PEG, neutralization degree, heavy-metal ion concentration, and temperature on the adsorption behavior of PAC/PEG IPN hydrogel toward Ni2 +, Cr3 + and Cd2 +, the preparation conditions were optimized. In our system, the greatest amount of Ni2 +, Cr3 + and Cd2 + adsorbed were 102.34, 49.38 and 33.41 mg g- 1, respectively. The adsorption abilities of a dried PAC/PEG composite and a swollen PAC/PEG IPN hydrogel were compared. It was found that the efficiency of removing metal ions using the swollen hydrogel was greater than that using the dried composite. The adsorption mechanism and model are also discussed.