“…By virtue of the unique three-dimensional network structure and various functional groups (hydroxyl, amine, carboxylic acid, and sulfonic acid groups), hydrogels play important roles in many fields, for example, they are used in superabsorbent materials [18], drug-delivery carriers [19], wastewater decontamination processes [20], biosensors [21], catalyst carriers [22], and other applications [23]. From the application point of view, the use of hydrogels in adsorption of heavy-metal ions from aqueous solutions has attracted a lot of attention due to their higher adsorption rate and capacity.…”