Preparation and surface wettability of TiO2 nanorod films modified with triethoxyoctylsilane

► Well-aligned TiO2 nanorod films were prepared. ► The effect of HCl concentration on the wettability of TiO2 films was analyzed. ► Superhydrophobic surface was achieved by modifying films with triethoxyoctylsilane. ► The water contact angle of 157.3 ± 1.5° has been achieved.