Abstract An amphiphilic HEMA-co-AMPS copolymer was synthesized through microwave-assisted RAFT polymerization using a rapid and energy-efficient approach. Comprehensive characterization confirmed successful copolymer formation, high structural stability, and the presence of abundant negatively charged sulfonate groups. The copolymer exhibited excellent adsorption performance toward Cu2+ and Cr6+ ions, achieving maximum capacities of 165 mg g⁻¹ and 115 mg g⁻¹, respectively, within ≤ 3 h.