Compositions containing a porous organic polymer and a heavy metal chelating moiety are provided for binding heavy metals, for example in remediation and purification. The compositions can be stable and recyclable. The compositions can contain heavy metal chelating moieties such as a thiol, a sulfide, an amine, a pyridine, or a combination thereof. The compositions can bind heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. The compositions can have a large surface area greater than about 20 m2/g. The compositions can be used for remediation and purification to remove heavy metals from a solution. The compositions can have a maximum metal uptake capacity of more than 500 mg g−1 and/or a metal distribution coefficient of at least 1×107 mL g−1 at 1 atm and 296 K. Methods of making the compositions are provided. Methods of binding heavy metals in remediation and purification are also provided.