Abstract It is well known that superhydrophobic surfaces with unitary microstructures (such as the lotus leaf) have better surface mechanical properties than those with binary micro- and nanostructures (such as the ramee leaf). Rodlike unitary structured films are fabricated on copper meshes via a facile and simple chemical vapor corrosion method. Following the surface modification of 1-decanethiol (C10H22S), the resultant films exhibiting superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity can be applied to separate the oil–water mixture.