Synthesis and chemical modifications of in-situ grown anatase TiO2 microspheres with isotropically exposed {0 0 1} facets for superhydrophobic and self-cleaning properties

• Anatase TiO2 microspheres with exposed {0 0 1} facets were in-situ grown.
• The microspheres form in terms of in-situ “growth-cum-assembly” mechanism.
• Fluorination endows anatase TiO2 {0 0 1} facets hydrophobicity and self-cleaning.