Influence of the type of solvent on the development of superhydrophobicity from silane-based solution containing nanoparticles

•Superhydrophobic surface on stainless steel is fabricated from silane-SiO2 nanoparticles solution.•High dispersion of agglomerates is required to get hierarchical structure.•The dispersion degree of silica nanoparticles is function of the solvent used.•Nanoparticles-solvent compatibility is mandatory to have high dispersion.•Synergistic effect between silane mix and SiO2 in WS that lead to contact angle >150º.