Stable method for electrodepositing network-like magnesium hydroxide layer with superhydrophobicity and enhanced surface performance under structure direction of xanthan gum/glycerol

•Hight stable method for electrodepositing network-like magnesium hydroxide superhydrophobic layer under structure direction of xanthan gum/glycerol.•Strategy of strengthening the xanthan gum network by cross-linking with glycerol.•Permission of tremendously wide range of reaction conditions such as bath temperature xanthan gum/glycerol dissolving temperature and storage time.