Preparation of thermo-responsive superhydrophobic TiO2/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) microspheres

► The thermo-responsive superhydrophobic microspheres are obtained via a process that combines sol-gel method and ATRP. ► The reversible switch between hydrophilicity and superhydrophobicity of TiO2/PNIPAM composites is rapid and significant. ► The as-prepared composites offer us an opportunity to develop cost-effective smart materials.