Ultrathin Surface Chemistry to Delay Anion Fouling

The unwanted fouling of surfaces by ionic adsorption has received little research attention. In this context, ultrathin organic adlayer surface chemistry—featuring monoethylene glycol based molecular residues—is described that is capable of noticeably decreasing the rate of anion depletion from solution. The strategy is exemplified with glass as the substrate material and fluoride as the anion foulant. Unwanted ion adsorption: Ultrathin, hydrogel‐like antifouling surface chemistry on glass, which features monoethylene glycol based molecular residues, markedly reduces the rate of fluoride depletion from aqueous solution. At room temperature, anion adsorption until surface saturation is delayed by several hours.