"Measuring molecules near surfaces: Saving the world one monolayer at a time."

Dr. Scott Shaw

University of Iowa

Host: Jared Anderson

Abstract: The Shaw group combines modern analytical techniques with materials and physical chemistry to report molecular-level interactions and at, and architectures of chemical interfaces. This presentation will cover highlights of our current projects in environmental surface films, electrochemical energy storage, and fluid confinement effects in molecular and ionic liquids.   

Environmental surface films are ubiquitous coatings on any solid surface. The are composed of particles, dust, microbes and non- or semi-volatile organic species. The nucleation, growth, and maturation of environmental films has a major impact on environmental fate and transport of pollutants and materials performance and degradation pathways.  We will discuss the current state of knowledge on environmental films as well as current efforts in our group to integrate biological and chemical studies in this growing area. Electrochemical energy storage technologies are well matched with growing alternative, but intermittent, energy sources such as solar and wind. We are interested in understanding the bulk and interfacial behaviours of redox active systems that can reversibly accept and donate multiple electrons. This presentation will review our work towards designing solvent systems to support high concentrations of redox active species (ca. 1M) allowing higher energy density in these batteries. The interfacial behaviours of these systems are often very different, and more complex than their bulk behaviours.  This is supported by our research in confined fluid systems which shows some molecular and ionic liquid systems can spontaneously create ordered and/or crystalline domains that extend 10s to 100s of nanometers from a surface. Exploring the intermolecular interactions that lead to this behavior, as well as how to enhance or diminish the changes observed, will be the final topic presented in this seminar.  

Bio: 

Professor Scott K. Shaw is a leading researcher and educator in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Iowa. His research bridges analytical chemistry and materials science, with a focus on understanding molecular behavior at interfaces - an area critical to advancing technologies in materials, energy, and environmental sciences. He also serves as Director of Graduate Studies in Chemistry, Chairs the University’s Research Council, and represents College science departments on faculty assembly. 

Dr. Shaw earned his B.A. in Chemistry and Education from Monmouth College in 2003 and Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in early 2008. He completed Marie Curie research appointments at Durham University and the University of Liverpool in 2008 and 2009 and was an NSF postdoctoral fellow at the University of Arizona, before joining the University of Iowa faculty in 2012. 

At Iowa, his research group employs cutting-edge techniques such as surface-sensitive optical and nonlinear spectroscopies, probe microscopies, and electrochemical methods to investigate complex chemical systems. Current projects include studying solvent interactions with material interfaces, exploring new chemistries for electrical energy storage, ionic liquids as advanced materials for carbon dioxide remediation, and analyzing environmental surface film effects on material properties and local air and water quality.

Professor Shaw’s work has been widely published and cited, contributing significantly to the fields of surface chemistry and energy science. He is a recipient of several prestigious honors, including the National Science Foundation CAREER Award, the Cottrell Scholar Award, and recognition as a CLAS Dean’s Scholar, each reflecting his excellence in research, teaching, and mentorship.

Beyond the lab, Dr. Shaw is deeply committed to mentoring students and fostering inclusive scientific communities. He is a first-generation college student and has directed the University’s Rural Scholar’s research program since 2015 serving over 60 first-year undergraduate STEM researchers. He also known for his enthusiasm for billiards and baseball, conservation, and community service.