Percolation-dominated superhydrophobicity and conductivity for nanocomposite coatings from the mixtures of a commercial aqueous silica sol and functionalized carbon nanotubes

► We prepare superhydrophobic conductive coatings from aqueous silica sol and MWCNTs. ► MWCNTs are hydroxylated or physically functionalized by a polysoap. ► The coatings are prepared by air-spraying and are easy to repair. ► The superhydrophobicity and conductivity of the coatings are percolation dominated. ► The percolation threshold for superhydrophobicity is extremely low.