A novel chromatographic material, aminopolycarboxylic-modified silica, was developed by two different synthetic routes, followed by characterization of the prepared material. The methods were compared and discussed based on binding capacity of ligand, chromatographic experiments and metal ion-chelating capacity of the material. Versatility of this chromatographic material including ion-exchange and affinity behaviors for proteins as well as chelating property for metal ions were investigated. The results showed that the material was prepared successfully, and synthetic method II was more favorable to the preparation of the material. This novel chromatographic material displayed good chromatographic behaviors for the separation of proteins, as well as outstanding chelating property for metal ions. Versatility of the material can effectively expand the applications of this functional material in different research fields.