A simple and effective silica-polymer-based spray coating was developed to create a translucent, mechanically durable, chemically stable, healable and environmentally friendly superhydrophobic coating with UV resistance. The coating can be fabricated on soft substrates for water/oil separation.

The reported superhydrophobic free-standing blocks show superior mechanical and chemical performances compared with commercial superhydrophobic coatings.

A simple one-step solution immersion method was employed to fabricate a robust superhydrophobic SiO2/polyurethane composite sponge for continuous separation of oil pollutants from water surfaces.

Superhydrophobic organic–inorganic hybrid nanocomposite coatings have received much attention because they possess the advantages of both inorganic and organic materials.