biostudies-literatureZhao YNational Science Foundation of China | National Natural Science Foundation of China-Yunnan Joint FundNational Science Foundation of China | National Natural Science Foundation of China-Yunnan Joint Fund (NSFC-Yunnan Joint Fund)2679https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC10169857biostudies-literatureUnknown14(1)Here, we present a proactive fouling prevention mechanism that endows superhydrophilic membranes with antifouling capability against migratory viscous crude oil fouling. By simulating the hierarchical architecture/chemical composition of a dahlia leaf, a membrane surface is decorated with wrinkled-pattern microparticles, exhibiting a unique proactive fouling prevention mechanism based on a synergistic hydration layer/steric hindrance. The density functional theory and physicochemical characterizations demonstrate that the main chains of the microparticles are bent towards Fe³⁺ through coordination interactions to create nanoscale wrinkled patterns on smooth microparticle surfaces. Nanoscale wrinkled patterns reduce the surface roughness and increase the contact area between the Nature communicationsSurface manipulation for prevention of migratory viscous crude oil fouling in superhydrophilic membranes.PMC10169857221780762187806222111530113Yang XShao LLau CHMa JZhao YCheng ZfalseSurface manipulation for prevention of migratory viscous crude oil fouling in superhydrophilic membranes.Here, we present a proactive fouling prevention mechanism that endows superhydrophilic membranes with antifouling capability against migratory viscous crude oil fouling. By simulating the hierarchical architecture/chemical composition of a dahlia leaf, a membrane surface is decorated with wrinkled-pattern microparticles, exhibiting a unique proactive fouling prevention mechanism based on a synergistic hydration layer/steric hindrance. The density functional theory and physicochemical characterizations demonstrate that the main chains of the microparticles are bent towards Fe³⁺ through coordination interactions to create nanoscale wrinkled patterns on smooth microparticle surfaces. Nanoscale wrinkled patterns reduce the surface roughness and increase the contact area between the 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z2023 May2025-04-25T22:29:49.057Z2025-04-06T09:05:48.576ZS-EPMC101698573716089910.1038/s41467-023-38419-3