3D flower-like Cu2S nanostructures on brass meshes have been fabricated for the first time, with a reversible wetting transition and excellent durability. In the present work, we demonstrated a simple and environmentally-benign method to fabricate the nanostructures utilizing an electrolyte containing CuSO4 center dot 5H(2)O, EDTA-2Na and CH3CSNH2. The superhydrophobicity was achieved by drying thoroughly at 200 degrees C, instead of using low surface energy materials. After annealing at 300 degrees C for 6 min, the superhydrophobic surface was oxidized and became superhydrophilic. However, the superhydrophobicity can be restored by heating at 200 degrees C for several hours. In simpler terms, the reversible wetting transition is responded to the temperature. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometer, energy- dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to characterize the surfaces and analyze the wetting transition mechanism. Furthermore, different kinds of oily sewages were separated by as-prepared mesh with high separation efficiency. It is believed that this method should have a promising future in expanding the applications of copper alloys. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.