The hybrid calcium alginate–Montmorillonite (CA–Mt) and the calcium alginate–Laponite (CA–Lap) gel beads have been mechanically and chemically characterized in this work by using different techniques (IR, SEM–EDX, average bead diameter, average bead density, water content) and kinetic and equilibrium studies on their adsorption ability towards palladium(II) ion have been done in the same experimental conditions used for CA gel beads