Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) thin films were deposited on Ni particles with a mean size of similar to 1 mu m using chemical vapor deposition method. The thin films consisting of these PDMS-covered Ni particles showed a water contact angle higher than 160 degrees, corresponding to the superhydrophobicity. These superhydrophobic films were found to be resistant toward acidic and basic media. The PDMS-covered Ni particles showed high affinity toward non-polar organic solvent such as toluene. Together with an external magnetic field, the PDMS-covered Ni can be used for separating water and toluene from a water/toluene heterogeneous mixture. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.