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We report on the preparation of SiO 2 -based nanoparticles readily available for superhydrophobic applications. In contrast to usual approaches, our process is substrate-free and based on electrostatic adsorption of small SiO 2 particles onto large SiO 2 cores with the aid of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) followed by calcination and chemical modification with trichlorododecylsilane. The as-prepared nanoparticles are in powder form and exhibit stable superhydrophobic behavior at room temperature because of the unique combination between the hierarchical raspberry-like structure and low surface energy. If properly stored, the nanoparticles retain their functional properties for several months., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2021 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)