Spanning surface interaction length scales for the design of industrial antifouling materials

Abstract Fouling of surfaces introduces significant operational and economic challenges in marine and membrane systems. While empirical fouling assays and surface science methodologies have independently introduced fouling resistant methodologies and functionalities within each of these respective application spaces, they remain limited by their inability to extrapolate findings across length scales and inform materials design strategies. This perspective emphasizes the need to bridge the macroscale fouling assays conducted in the marine community and molecular‐scale insights obtained from the membranes community. By uniting these approaches, generalized design strategies can be developed across applications, leading to the realization of effective antifouling materials over a wide spectrum of operating conditions and foulant types. Standardized and high‐throughput methodologies are proposed as tools to unify research efforts to drive the development of next‐generation antifouling coatings and treatments.