Relationship between the structure and hydrophobic performance of Ni-TiO2 nanocomposite coatings by electrodeposition

► Ni-TiO2 nanocomposite coatings with FAS-17 show superhydrophobicity. ► Coatings exhibit thorn-like hierarchical structures with high roughness. ► TiO2 nanoparticles confine the growth of nickel grains. ► High current density leads to rough morphology and large contact angle. ► Long deposition time leads to hierarchical structures with high contact angle.