A novel covalent organic polymer with hierarchical pore structure for rapid and selective trace Hg(II) removal from drinking water

•A novel hp-COP-SH material was successfully prepared by a facile and mild method.•The hp-COP-SH has a hierarchical pore structure with ample sulfhydryl sites.•hp-COP-SH can fast remove different concentrations of trace Hg(II) from tap water.•hp-COP-SH shows excellent stability within a broad pH range and selectivity to Hg(II).•hp-COP-SH shows significant potential for trace Hg(II) removal from drinking water.