A novel hyper-cross-linked polymeric adsorbent modified with acetylaniline as the cross-linked bridge (denoted GQ-02) was synthesized for the enhanced removal of bisphenol A (BPA) from aqueous solution. Its chemical structure and pore structure were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and surface area analysis. Results showed that the adsorption capacity of BPA onto GQ-02 was larger than that of the commercial resins NDA-150, H103, NDA-88, NDA-99, and XAD-4 due to the cross-linked bridge of acetylaniline uploaded on GQ-02 resin. The solution pH had no significant effect on the adsorption capacity until it was higher than 6.39. The adsorption rate of GQ-02 was greater than that of H103 because of the longer cross-linked bridge between two benzene rings. The adsorption isotherms could be correlated to the Langmuir equation. More favorable adsorption of BPA onto GQ-02 than H103 was further demonstrated by thermodynamic analysis. Nearly 100% regeneration efficiency for GQ-02 was achieved by 80% ethanol and 0.5 mol/L NaOH. Crown Copyright (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.