In this work, we synthesized p-phenylenediamine modified carbon nanotubes (P-CNTs) by diazotization reaction. The resulting material shows a BET surface area of 285 m(2) g(-1) and a total volume of 0.65 cm(3) g(-1) with abundant mesopores. Also, the P-CNTs exhibit good surface hydrophobicity with water contact angle of 140.8A degrees, which should be attributed to the cooperation of both surface roughness and hydrophobic chemical compositions (aromatic rings linkages) of P-CNTs. Taking advantages of the intrinsic porosity and surface hydrophobicity, the resulting P-CNTs exhibit a notably selective absorbing ability and good recyclability for removal of organics and oils from water, which makes them the promising candidates for liquid-liquid separation and waste oil treatment.