We have developed a simple one-step method to synthesize novel supramolecular polysaccharide composite from cellulose (CEL) and dibenzo-18-crown 6 using ceric ammonium nitrate as initiator. The [CEL+ DB18C6] composites obtained retain properties of their components, namely superior mechanical strength (from CEL), excellent adsorption capability for heavy metal ions from DB18C6. More importantly, the [CEL+ DB18C6] composites exhibit truly supramolecular properties. By itself CEL and DB18C6 can adsorb heavy metals. However, adsorption capability of the composite was substantially and synergistically enhanced by adding DB18C6 to CEL. That is, the removal percentage value for Cd2+, Zn2+, Pb2+ and Cu2+ by [CEL+ DB18C6] composites are much higher than removal percentage values of individual CEL and DB18C6 composites. It seems that DB18C6 synergistically interact with CEL to form more stable complexes with heavy metals, and as a consequence, the [CEL+ DB18C6] composite can adsorb relatively larger amount heavy metals. The adsorption parameters, such as pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, initial metal ion concentration and temperature were optimized. Desorption studies revealed that the regeneration of modified cellulose saturated with these metallic ions depends on the type and concentration of the regenerating solution (NH4Cl, HNO3, NaCl and CaCl2). (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.