Adsorption Of Small Molecules Research Articles

Abundant interfacial and intrinsic oxygen vacancies enabling small nickel/ceria nanocrystal efficient CO2 methanation

Smaller nano-sizes typically result in supported catalysts with abundant interfacial and intrinsic oxygen vacancies for better adsorption and activation of small molecules, including CO2, leading to improved efficiency of CO2 methanation. Here, Ni/CeO2-S with the smaller nano-size of around 4.2 nm is used to catalyze CO2 methanation, which exhibits significantly enhanced activity compared to larger nano-sized Ni/CeO2-L catalyst, even surpassing the most majority of previously reported catalysts using CeO2 as the support or Ni as the active metal. The coexistence of interfacial defects and intrinsic oxygen vacancies allows for enhanced adsorption and activation of CO2 molecules as well as H spillover, resulting in such improved CO2 methanation. In-situ DRIFTS demonstrate a nearly sole Formate pathway on Ni/CeO2-S for efficient CO2 hydrogenation. This research provides valuable insights into the reaction mechanism over a small nanosize supported catalyst.

The influence of small molecule adsorption on the spectral characteristics of B12N12 superatoms

The luminescent spectra of boron–nitrogen (BN) superatoms under the influence of small molecule excitation remain unexplored, yet hold promising prospects for application in luminescent materials. This study employs density functional theory to investigate the absorption and fluorescence emission spectra of small molecules (pyrazine, pyridine, and benzene) adsorbed on B12N12 superatoms. The findings reveal the formation of stable chemisorption structures, namely pyrazine-B12N12 and pyridine-B12N12, while benzene forms a physisorption structure benzene-B12N12. Interestingly, the adsorbed benzene enhances the absorption spectrum intensity of B12N12, while pyrazine and pyridine adsorbed significantly amplify the emission spectrum intensity of B12N12. Moreover, this study discusses the impact of variation in the number of adsorbed small molecules on spectral characteristics. Results indicate that the absorption spectra intensity of 2pyrazine-B12N12, 2pyridine-B12N12, and 2benzene-B12N12 is relatively robust, with 2benzene-B12N12 exhibiting a stronger emission spectrum intensity compared to benzene-B12N12 and 4benzene-B12N12. These computational findings offer valuable insights for the exploration of luminescent materials and serve as theoretical reference for experimental investigations.

Susceptible Detection of Organic Molecules Based on C3B/Graphene and C3N/Graphene van der Waals Heterojunction Gas Sensors.

Constructing van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures is a prospective approach that is essential for developing a new generation of functional two-dimensional (2D) materials and designing new conceptual nanodevices. Using density-functional theory combined with a nonequilibrium Green's function approach allows for the theoretical and systematic exploration of the electronic structure, transport properties, and sensitivity of organic small molecules adsorbed on 2D C3B/graphene (Gra) and C3N/Gra vdW heterojunctions. Calculations show the metallic properties of C3B/Gra and C3N/Gra after the formation of heterojunctions. Interestingly, the heterojunctions C3B/Gra (C3N/Gra) for the adsorption of small organic molecules (C2H2, C2H4, CH3OH, CH4, and HCHO) at the C3B (C3N) side are sensitive to the chemisorption of C2H2 and C2H4. Similarly, the Gra/C3B is chemisorbed for both C2H2 and C2H4 when adsorbed on Gra side, while it is only chemisorbed for C2H2 in Gra/C3N. Interestingly, all heterojunctions on different sides are physisorbed for CH3OH, CH4, and HCHO. Furthermore, the calculated I-V curves demonstrate that the devices based on the adsorption of C2H2 and C2H4 at each side of the heterojunction have remarkable anisotropy, in with the current being considerably greater in the zigzag direction than in the armchair direction. More specifically, with C2H2 adsorbed on the Gra side, the sensitivity along the armchair direction is up to 85.0% for Gra/C3B and close to 100% for Gra/C3N. This study reveals that C3B/Gra (C3N/Gra) heterojunctions with high selectivity, high anisotropy, and excellent sensitivity are highly prospective 2D materials for applications, which further contributes new insights into the development of future electronic nanodevices.

Stabilization effect of nano-SiO2@iron-phosphorus on ferrallisols, calcareous soil and organic soil heavily polluted by heavy metals: A fast reaction curing stabilization process

The remediation of soil pollution by heavy metals (HMs) presents a significant challenge in environmental restoration. Stabilization remediation technology has proven effective in treating HMs contaminated soil. However, its development is constrained by drawbacks such as slow reaction kinetics and low adsorption capacity. This research synthesized a nano-SiO2@iron‑phosphorus (FPOH) material by SiO32− encapsulating the iron-phosphate precipitate obtained from Fe ion and phosphate. In addition, this research applied this material to ferrallisols, calcareous soils and organic soils with three different levels of high pollution by Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn. The experimental results indicate that all experimental soils stabilized rapidly within 1 day and met the requirements of remediation engineering standards (ChinaMEE HJ 1282-2023). Analysis of the possible mechanisms suggests that the FPOH material effectively fills voids with phosphate mineral formation, preventing the secondary release of HMs. During the stabilization process, FPOH involves the adsorption of free ions and small organic molecules in the soil, which does not affect its high reactivity. The development and utilization of FPOH offer valuable insights for soil stabilization remediation.

“Partner” cellulose gel with “dialysis” function: Achieve the integration of filtration-enrichment-SERS detection

Hydrogel and aerogel materials have garnered significant attention in constructing effective surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates due to their excellent adsorption capabilities, high specific surface area, and abundant chemical groups. However, in liquids with complex compositions, non-specific adsorption of macromolecules can lead to surface scaling and pore clogging of the substrate material, limiting the selective enrichment and SERS detection of target molecules. To address this, an innovative aerogel-chimeric hydrogel material (CH@S-CNF/SA/Ag NPs) was developed. The aerogel component, with its high specific surface area and electronegative properties, functions as a SERS “chip” for adsorption and detection of target molecules. Simultaneously, the mesoporous structure of the hydrogel “shell” effectively filters macromolecules from the solution. These CH@S-CNF/SA/Ag NPs were utilized as SERS substrate materials for detecting urine from healthy individuals and patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5). When combined with machine learning algorithms, the detection accuracy reached 99.50%. This work represents a significant advancement in the specific adsorption and SERS detection of small molecules in complex biological samples such as urine and blood.

Aqueous co-solvent synthesis of Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks: The impact of co-solvents in the crystal growth kinetics

Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs) have been widely studied in recent decades in a variety of applications. However, a fundamental understanding of crystal growth kinetics as well as their formation mechanisms has been very limited. Underpinning such mechanisms might be of key importance for the predictable synthesis of ZIFs to rationally tune the structural and morphological properties for respective applications. Herein, the crystal growth kinetics and structural evolution of ZIF-8 crystals in various aqueous co-solvent reaction environments were studied with respect to synthesis time. By tracking the nucleation, crystal growth, stabilization and ripening, three potential kinetic formation mechanisms were proposed. More specifically, with methanol, isopropanol and acetone, a fast nucleation rate and crystal growth occurred within 60 minutes (min) at room temperature. However, ethanol and n-propanol showed prolonged nucleation which resulted in the slow formation of ZIF-L/ZIF-8 mixed phases at the early stage. Phase transformation to pure ZIF-8 was observed in longer syntheses. Nitrogen-containing solvent, N, N–dimethyl formaldehyde (DMF), was found to induce both nucleation and growth, resulting in large crystals in less than 60 min of fabrication. In each case, the crystal formation follows Avrami's classical model. Hence, by understanding the effects of co-solvents in ZIF nucleation, crystallization and phase selection, one can rationally design the crystals with predictable crystallinity, size, morphology, purity and surface properties for targeted applications such as adsorption of small molecules from aqueous mixtures.

Construction of Cell Membrane Chromatography Screening Materials Based on Avi-Tag Fused G Protein-Coupled Receptors.

Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2 (MrgprX2) plays a crucial role in anaphylactoid reactions and allergic diseases. Some antagonists with reasonable potency and selectivity have been reported. Cell membrane chromatography (CMC) is effective for discovering ligands. Protein-tag-based CMC models (e.g., SNAP tags and HALO tags) have enhanced performance but also increased nonspecific adsorption of small molecules. The Avi tag, a short peptide sequence, binds biotin specifically via BirA catalysis. Our study showed that 2-iminobiotin (IB) can be a BirA substrate, enabling the development of a new cell membrane stationary phase (CMSP) based on the chemical properties (modifying carboxyl silica gel and specifically labeling the Avi tag) of IB. First, we constructed the MrgprX2-Avi-tag HEK293T cell line. Next, we synthesized IB-modified silica gel (SiO2-IB) stepwise. Finally, we immobilized Avi-tagged MrgprX2 cell membranes on SiO2-IB under BirA catalysis. We characterized the developed CMSP and used it to establish a MrgprX2-Avi-tag/CMC-HPLC/MS two-dimensional screening platform, successfully screening vitexicarpin fromViticis Fructus extract via a 2D/CMC platform. In vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that vitexicarpin targets the MrgprX2 receptor, demonstrating antiallergic effects. Our IB-Avi tag-based CMC approach effectively decreased nonspecific adsorption of the screening materials. The Avi-tag-based 2D/CMC platform is suitable for screening potential drug candidates.

Effect of oxygen-containing groups in functionalized graphene on its gas sensing properties

The creation of active material for chemiresistive gas sensors with high selectivity and sensitivity will allow a step towards miniaturization and reduction of power consumption of portable gas sensors. Graphene is a promising platform for the synthesis of two-dimensional active materials with high sensitivity. In this work, applying density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the effect of oxygen-containing functional groups (O, OH, O, COOH) on the adsorption of small gas molecules (NH3, CO2, CO, H2S, NO2, SO2) was rigorously studied. Based on the adsorption energies and partial charges from DFT calculations, the sensitivity and selectivity of graphene with different functionalizations were predicted. It was found that hydroxyl and carboxyl groups demonstrate increased selectivity and sensitivity of gas sensors, and the edge of graphene with hydroxyl groups shows the highest enhancement. Graphene with a carbonyl group was found to undergo irreversible chemisorption of NO2, which can potentially cause active material degradation, limiting the recyclability of gas sensors. Most of the molecules show both donor and acceptor behavior, which highlights the importance of a thorough selection of specific functional group types. The obtained results are useful for the rational design of graphene-based active material with oxygen-containing functional groups for chemiresistive gas sensors.

Insights into the hexamine-assisted ZnO based-MOFs formation on PET fabric for improved self-cleaning, flame retardant, and hydrophilic properties

Organo-metallic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted much attention in the last decade due to their large pore size, large surface area, selective adsorption of small molecules, and optical or magnetic responses in the presence of guest molecules. Particularly, the use of MOFs on textile products through in situ synthesis leads to special properties in a simple method. Here, the polyester fabric was first activated by alkali hydrolysis and then the ZnO-based MOFs were synthesized to obtain a fabric with multifunctional features. FESEM images and EDX elemental analysis showed the presence of MOF particles and zinc, nitrogen, and hydrogen on the polyester surface. The weight of the treated samples increased however the water spreading time decreased due to the polar groups of the MOFs creating higher hydrophilic properties. The presence of hydroxyl and amine groups on the surface of the MOFs-treated polyester was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The final fabric showed photocatalytic self-cleaning, and UV protection properties. In addition, TGA, ash percentage, and burnt length results demonstrated the flame-retardant properties. The tensile strength, thickness, and stiffness of the MOFs-treated fabrics also increased. Finally, the hexamine-assisted ZnO-based MOFs on the polyester surface improve its properties and usability.

Transition Metal (Co, V, W, Zr) Single-Atom Decorated Biphenylene for Enhancing the Sensing Performance of SF6 Decomposition Molecules.

The highly sensitive gas sensors used to monitor the decomposition of toxic gases in the dielectric materials of electrical equipment are vital in preventing safety problems arising from corrosion of the equipment. Recently, biphenylene (BPN) has been prepared through surface interpolymer hydrofluorination (HF zipper) reaction, whereas potential gas-sensitive devices based on the BPN monolayer have lacked in-depth investigation. The stable geometries, adsorption energies, interlayer distances, and charge transfers of small molecules of toxic gases (H2S, SO2, SOF2, SO2F2) produced by SF6 chalcogenide molecules of decomposition adsorbed on the original BPN monolayer are systematically researched by using nonequilibrium Green's function methods and density functional theory. The results indicated that all small molecules adsorbed on the BPN monolayer are physisorbed, while the type of adsorption turned from physisorption to chemisorption when BPN carried out adsorption with adsorbing a transition metal atom (TMA). In addition, the characteristics of current-voltage (I-V) curves of H2S and SO2 based on the TMA-BPN gas sensors revealed that the currents in BPN-based gas sensors displayed an obvious anisotropy, and the currents in the zigzag direction are larger than that in the armchair orientation regardless of the molecular adsorption cases. Moreover, the difference of currents for TMA-decorated BPN sensors changed more remarkably before and after the adsorption of H2S and SO2 in the zigzag direction. This work offers insights into the design of gas-sensitive devices through the adsorption of small molecules on the TMA-decorated BPN monolayer.

Adsorption of small gas molecules onto boron nitride nanotubes and their Al-, Ga-, Cr- and Fe-doping derivatives for gas sensing, storage, and catalytic properties: Periodic DFT study

Based on the toxic gases and their conversion to non-toxic gases on the high potentials doping derivatives of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), adsorption abilities of (5,5) and (10,0) BNNTs doped by selected dopants (Al, Ga, Cr and Fe) on small gas molecules was explored. Adsorption of small gas molecules, H2O, H2S, SO2, CO2, CO, NH3, N2O, and NO onto the pristine (5,5) and (10,0) BNNTs, their doping derivatives (Al-, Ga-, Cr- and Fe-doped (5,5) and (10,0) BNNTs) were investigated using periodic DFT method. Strong adsorptions of N2O (-4.26 eV) and SO2 (-2.56 eV) on the Cr-(5,5) and Cr-(10,0) BNNTs were found. Furthermore, the Cr-(5,5) and Cr-(10,0) BNNTs as the catalysts for N2O conversion to N2 and O2 were found. The Al- and Ga-(5,5) BNNTs, Al- and Ga-(10,0) BNNTs are suggested as the NO sensing materials and NH3 storage materials. All the suggested materials such Cr-(5,5), Cr-(10,0), Al-(5,5), Ga-(5,5), Al-(10,0) and Ga-(10,0) BNNTs could be experimentally tested for conversion, sensitivity, and storage of mentioned toxic gases in the future.

Open-Top Patterned Hydrogel-Laden 3D Glioma Cell Cultures for Creation of Dynamic Chemotactic Gradients to Direct Cell Migration.

The laminar flow profiles in microfluidic systems coupled to rapid diffusion at flow streamlines have been widely utilized to create well-controlled chemical gradients in cell cultures for spatially directing cell migration. However, within hydrogel-based closed microfluidic systems of limited depth (≤0.1 mm), the biomechanical cues for the cell culture are dominated by cell interactions with channel surfaces rather than with the hydrogel microenvironment. Also, leaching of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) constituents in closed systems and the adsorption of small molecules to PDMS alter chemotactic profiles. To address these limitations, we present the patterning and integration of a PDMS-free open fluidic system, wherein the cell-laden hydrogel directly adjoins longitudinal channels that are designed to create chemotactic gradients across the 3D culture width, while maintaining uniformity across its ∼1 mm depth to enhance cell-biomaterial interactions. This hydrogel-based open fluidic system is assessed for its ability to direct migration of U87 glioma cells using a hybrid hydrogel that includes hyaluronic acid (HA) to mimic the brain tumor microenvironment and gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) to offer the adhesion motifs for promoting cell migration. Chemotactic gradients to induce cell migration across the hydrogel width are assessed using the chemokine CXCL12, and its inhibition by AMD3100 is validated. This open-top hydrogel-based fluidic system to deliver chemoattractant cues over square-centimeter-scale areas and millimeter-scale depths can potentially serve as a robust screening platform to assess emerging glioma models and chemotherapeutic agents to eradicate them.

On the Statistical Mechanics of Mass Accommodation at Liquid-Vapor Interfaces.

We propose a framework for describing the dynamics associated with the adsorption of small molecules to liquid-vapor interfaces using an intermediate resolution between traditional continuum theories that are bereft of molecular detail and molecular dynamics simulations that are replete with them. In particular, we develop an effective single particle equation of motion capable of describing the physical processes that determine thermal and mass accommodation probabilities. The effective equation is parametrized with quantities that vary through space away from the liquid-vapor interface. Of particular importance in describing the early time dynamics is the spatially dependent friction, for which we propose a numerical scheme to evaluate from molecular simulation. Taken together with potentials of mean force computable with importance sampling methods, we illustrate how to compute the mass accommodation coefficient and residence time distribution. Throughout, we highlight the case of ozone adsorption in aqueous solutions and its dependence on electrolyte composition.

Preparation of self-standing ultra-thin three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks by interfacial polymerization for dye separation

Three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (3D COFs) have garnered considerable attention in the adsorption of small molecules owing to their unique 3D pore structure and easily modifiable functional group sites. However, most 3D COFs exhibit lattice interpenetration, making the membrane fabrication process difficult. Most 3D COFs are prepared as powders using solvothermal methods, which severely limits their application in material separation. Therefore, self-supporting 3D COFs membranes were fabricated using room-temperature interfacial polymerization, a low-energy method. Traditional alkane/water interfacial polymerization methods have disadvantages such as poor water solubility of the monomer, volatile solvents, and low crystallinity. Herein, an imine-linked, self-standing, 3D COFs membrane with an ultrathin layer was engineered at the alkane/ionic liquid interface. Owing to the improved crystalline structure, which exposed a large number of imine-linked sites within a 3D pore channel, the constructed 3D COFs membrane exhibited a high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of 1061.4 m2·g−1 and high water flux of approximately 76 L·m−2 h−1 bar−1 and demonstrated excellent rejection rates of 97.76% and 95.36% for two cationic dyes, rhodamine B and methylene blue, respectively. The membrane exhibited high rejection rates after seven testing cycles. This study reveals the great potential of self-standing 3D COFs membranes as dye separation.

Enhancing low-temperature CO removal in complex flue gases: A study on La and Cu doped Co3O4 catalysts under real-world combustion environment

Designing CO oxidation catalysts for complex flue gases conditions is particularly challenging in fire scenarios. Traditional flue gas simulations use a few representative gases but often fail to adequately evaluate catalyst performance in real-world combustion conditions. In this study, we developed doping strategies using La and Cu to enhance the water resistance of Co3O4 catalysts. Catalyst 0.1La-Co3O4-CuO/CeO2 exhibits exceptional low-temperature catalytic activity, achieving 100% conversion at 130 °C. This enhancement is largely due to the introduction of La, which increases the active Co3+/Co2+ ratio and suppresses hydroxyl group formation on the Co3O4 surface. Cu doping also changes the Co3O4 lattice structure, forming Cu+ as active sites and enhancing the activity at low temperatures. For the first time, steady-state tube furnace and fixed bed were employed to evaluate the catalytic performance of CO in actual combustion atmosphere. Catalyst 0.1La-Co3O4-CuO/CeO2 maintains excellent catalytic efficiency (T100 = 120 °C) under well-ventilated conditions. However, its activity significantly decreases in poorly ventilated environments, due to the competitive adsorption of small molecules at active sites, such as acetone, commonly found in smoke. This study provides valuable insights for designing water-resistant, low-temperature, non-noble metal catalysts and offers a methodology for evaluating CO catalytic activity in real-world environments.

SERS-Based Hydrogen Bonding Induction Strategy for Gaseous Acetic Acid Capture and Detection.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) can overcome the existing technological limitations, such as complex processes and harsh conditions in gaseous small-molecule detection, and advance the development of real-time gas sensing at room temperature. In this study, a SERS-based hydrogen bonding induction strategy for capturing and sensing gaseous acetic acid is proposed for the detection demands of gaseous acetic acid. This addresses the challenges of low adsorption of gaseous small molecules on SERS substrates and small Raman scattering cross sections and enables the first SERS-based detection of gaseous acetic acid by a portable Raman spectrometer. To provide abundant hydrogen bond donors and acceptors, 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) was used as a ligand molecule modified on the SERS substrate. Furthermore, a sensing chip with a low relative standard deviation (RSD) of 4.15% was constructed, ensuring highly sensitive and reliable detection. The hydrogen bond-induced acetic acid trapping was confirmed by experimental spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT). In addition, to achieve superior accuracy compared to conventional methods, an innovative analytical method based on direct response hydrogen bond formation (IO-H/Iref) was proposed, enabling the detection of gaseous acetic acid at concentrations as low as 60 ppb. The strategy demonstrated a superior anti-interference capability in simulated breath and wine detection systems. Moreover, the high reusability of the chip highlights the significant potential for real-time sensing of gaseous acetic acid.

Effect analysis on hydrocarbon adsorption enhancement of different zeolites in cold start of gasoline engine based on Monte Carlo method

50%–80% of the hydrocarbons in gasoline engine emissions come from during cold starts. Zeolites are often used to adsorb HCs during gasoline engine cold-starting. In order to investigate the effect of adsorption enhancement of different molecular sieves on HCs during gasoline engine cold-starting. In this paper, the adsorption properties of Beta, MOR and FER zeolites at different temperatures were simulated based on Monte Carlo method using propylene and toluene as probe molecules. The results show that all three molecular sieves exhibit good adsorption properties at low temperatures. The adsorption capacity decreased with increasing temperature. The molecular sieves tend to adsorb molecules with diameters similar to the pore size of zeolite. In addition, the three-dimensional zeolites Beta and FER showed better adsorption properties than the one-dimensional zeolites. Based on Monte Carlo method, the adsorption properties of Beta, MOR and FER molecular sieves were investigated at different temperatures under multi-components using toluene, isopentane, propylene, ethylene, methane and water as adsorbents. The results showed that there was a competitive adsorption among the components due to the limited adsorption sites in the molecular sieve channels. Large molecules such as toluene and isopentane occupied most of the adsorption sites and hindered the adsorption of small molecules.

Spectra-Based Machine Learning for Predicting the Statistical Interaction Properties of CO Adsorbates on Surface.

Theoretical analyses of small-molecule adsorption on heterogeneous catalyst surfaces often rely on simplified models of molecular adsorption with the most favorable configuration. Given that real-world experimental tests frequently entail multiple molecules interacting with the surface, there is a pressing need for a comprehensive multimolecule adsorption model to bridge the gap between theory and experiment. Using machine learning, we predict the average values of important adsorption properties from conformationally averaged, calculated infrared and Raman spectra and compare these values to those theoretically derived from the conformationally averaged ensemble. Remarkably, our approach yields excellent predictions even when faced with large and indeterminate numbers of surface molecules. These quantitative spectra-averaged property relationships provide a theoretical framework for extracting key interaction properties from the spectra of real chemical environments.

Interaction of N2, O2 and H2 Molecules with Superalkalis.

Superalkalis (SAs) are exotic clusters having lower ionization energy than alkali atoms, which makes them strong reducing agents. In the quest for the reduction of diatomic molecules (X2) such as N2, O2, and H2 using Møller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2), we have studied their interaction with typical superalkalis such as FLi2, OLi3, and NLi4 and calculated various parameters of the resulting SA-X2 complexes. We noticed that the SA-O2 complex and its isomers possess strong ionic interaction, which leads to the reduction of O2 to O2 - anion. On the contrary, there are both ionic and covalent interactions in SA-N2 complexes such that the lowest energy isomers are covalently bonded with no charge transfer from SA. Further, the interaction between SA and H2 leads to weakly bound complexes, which results in the adsorption of H2 molecules. The nature of interaction is found to be closely related to the electron affinity of diatomic molecules. These findings might be useful in the study of the activation, reduction, and adsorption of small molecules, which can be further explored for their possible applications.

Surface-segregating zwitterionic copolymers to control poly(dimethylsiloxane) surface chemistry.

The use of microfluidic devices in biomedicine is growing rapidly in applications such as organs-on-chip and separations. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is the most popular material for microfluidics due to its ability to replicate features down to the nanoscale, flexibility, gas permeability, and low cost. However, the inherent hydrophobicity of PDMS leads to the adsorption of macromolecules and small molecules on device surfaces. This curtails its use in "organs-on-chip" and other applications. Current technologies to improve PDMS surface hydrophilicity and fouling resistance involve added processing steps or do not create surfaces that remain hydrophilic for long periods. This work describes a novel, simple, fast, and scalable method for improving surface hydrophilicity and preventing the nonspecific adsorption of proteins and small molecules on PDMS through the use of a surface-segregating zwitterionic copolymer as an additive that is blended in during manufacture. These highly branched copolymers spontaneously segregate to surfaces and rearrange in contact with aqueous solutions to resist nonspecific adsorption. We report that mixing a minute amount (0.025 wt%) of the zwitterionic copolymer in PDMS considerably reduces hydrophobicity and nonspecific adsorption of proteins (albumin and lysozyme) and small molecules (vitamin B12 and reactive red). PDMS blended with these zwitterionic copolymers retains its mechanical and physical properties for at least six months. Moreover, this approach is fully compatible with existing PDMS device manufacture protocols without additional processing steps and thus provides a low-cost and user-friendly approach to fabricating reliable biomicrofluidics.