A method for providing a superhydrophobic surface on a structure, for example aircraft wings, propellers and/or rotors, is set forth. The method includes applying a coating of hydrofluoric acid over a titanium substrate. A voltage is then applied across the titanium substrate so that current flows through the titanium substrate. The current flowing through the titanium substrate causes the hydrofluoric acid to react with the titanium substrate to anodize the titanium substrate. The anodization causes a nanoporous titanium oxide layer to grow across the titanium substrate. The titanium oxide layer includes a plurality of nano-tube structures that, once the remaining hydrofluoric acid is washed away, provide a microscopically rough surface on the titanium substrate. A conformal coating of a hydrophobic compound is then desposited on the microscopically rough surface to create a superhydrophobic surface. Thus, a substantially self-cleaning superhydrophobic surface is created on the titanium substrate, whereby, when exposed to ultraviolet light, the titanium oxide layer has a photocatalytic reaction with oxygen to oxidize any organic contaminants that may gather on the superhydrophobic surface.

 
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