Abstract: This project aims to develop the understanding of complex chemical interactions between solvent molecules and surfaces and will impact fundamental surface science as well as applied materials chemistry. Employing the novel sampling geometry, dynamic dewetting, thin fluid layers are created on solid surfaces. The molecular architectures formed within the thin fluid films are examined over varying thicknesses to reveal interfacial chemical environments. By tuning intermolecular interactions, the role of van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, micro-viscocity, and other chemical phenomena can be more adequately understood and applied to solve challenges in chemistry and materials science.

Bio: Research in the Shaw group combines modern analytical techniques with materials and physical chemistry to create new understanding of the molecular-level behavior at interfaces. Current and start-up projects span chemical systems that are both fundamentally intriguing and extremely relevant to current needs of our technology-driven society. Advances in these areas will allow predictive design of new, improved devices in a range of applications including energy production, polymeric materials, corrosion science, environmental remediation, microfluidics, and biomedical implanted devices. A few selected projects are outlined below. Experimental techniques encompass surface-sensitive optical spectroscopies, non-linear spectroscopies, probe microscopies, electrochemical methods, tensiometry, and novel sample preparation techniques, all targeted at revealing the interfacial properties of otherwise opaque chemical systems.