Highly-efficient and recyclable oil absorbing performance of functionalized graphene aerogel

•Graphene aerogel is readily achieved via self-assembly of graphene oxide sheets.•Surface modification of graphene aerogel is acquired by a one-step solution method.•Surface modified graphene aerogel has high porosity and hydrophobicity.•Absorption test was performed under various kinds of oils and organic solvents.•Surface modified graphene aerogel shows excellent absorbability and recyclability.