The superhydrophobic properties of self-organized microstructured surfaces derived from anodically oxidized Al/Nb and Al/Ta metal layers

► Microstructured niobium and tantalum oxide films are prepared by anodizing Al/Nb and Al/Ta layers on Si. ► The surfaces coated with fluoroalkyl phosphate exhibit superhydrophobic properties. ► The effect is due to the composite solid-liquid-air interfaces, in accord with Cassie-Baxter model.