Abstract: A novel photoresponsive polymeric beads with high oil absorbency was synthesized via suspension polymerization technique. Lauryl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, and a short-chain methyl acrylate were used as the monomers and bis (methacryloylamino) azobenzene was used as the photoresponsive crosslinker. The morphology and light isomerization behavior of the oil absorbing resin were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and UV-vis spectrum respectively. The absorbency of the oil absorbing resin for various solvents and/or diluted oils was studied. It was found that the saturated absorption capacity of the polymeric resin for various organic solvents was different, which was determined by the principle of similar compatibility and the solvation effect. It was further observed that the oil absorbency of the resin greatly depended on the dilution degree of the oil. The more diluted the oil, the larger the absorption capacity of the resin. In addition, the response characteristics of the oil absorbing resin enhanced its desorption rate of toluene by 5 times under the UV light. The findings in this study indicated that the prepared photoresponsive oil absorbing resin has broad application prospects in the treatment of oil spills at sea.