Phenyl-modified silica aerogels with high-temperature hydrophobicity for self-cleaning and thermal insulation under extreme circumstances

•Phenyl-modified, hybrid silica aerogels were prepared via in-situ sol-gel method.•The aerogels show superhydrophobicity with self-cleaning and water-bounce ability.•The hydrophobicity can retain as high as 500 °C via adjusting the modifier dosage.•Hot steam resistance and excellent thermal insulating ability are achieved.