The electrochemical formation of highly porous CuTCNQ(TCNQ= 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane) and CuTCNQF(4) (TCNQF(4)=2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane) materials was undertaken via the spontaneous redox reaction between a porous copper template, created using a hydrogen bubbling template technique, and an acetonitrile solution containing TCNQ or TCNQF(4). It was found that activation of the surface via vigorous hydrogen evolution that occurs during porous copper deposition and TCNQ mass transport being hindered through the porous network of the copper template influenced the growth of CuTCNQ and CuTCNQR(4). This approach resulted in the fabrication of a honeycomb layered type structure where the internal walls consist of very fine crystalline needles or spikes. This combination of microscopic and nanoscopic roughness was found to be extremely beneficial for anti-wetting properties where superhydrophobic materials with contact angles as high as 177 degrees were created. Given that CuTCNQ and CuTCNQF(4) have shown potential as molecular based electronic materials in the area of switching and field emission, the creation of a surface that is moisture resistant may be of applied interest. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.