Interface, I’m thinking of YOU!

Abstract:  

The performance of electrochemical technologies hinges on the ability of ion-conducting polymers to efficiently and selectively transport ions. However, much of what we know about these materials comes from their behavior in bulk, free-standing membranes, whereas electrochemical devices also need to deal with sub-micron thick layers of ionomers. These thin ionomer layers have to glue the catalyst particles to electrode, while ensuring efficient ion transport at catalyst interface. This is where things get complicated as the thin catalyst-binding ionomer layers at electrode interfaces experience severe ion transport limitations, negatively impacting the electrochemical reaction kinetics and device performance. In this talk, I will discuss how we probe these buried interfaces and systematically manipulate interfacial chemistry to dictate how ionomers sit at interfaces and conduct ions. These unique findings lead us to ask a different materials-design question: rather than choosing an off-the-shelf ionomer that performs best in the bulk, can we design one specifically to function well under confinement? I will discuss how we are pushing the boundary by pursuing this idea through new molecular architectures and taking inspiration from nature. Beyond thin films, some of these designed materials exhibit excellent voltage gating and permselective transport, as well as robust performance in bulk membranes and under harsh conditions, making them suitable for myriads of electrochemical, separation, resource recovery, and high-temperature applications. In a parallel world, we also attempt to precisely control interfacial interactions between polymers and living organisms with sustainable naturally abundant materials to inform the design of next-generation infection-resistant coatings, wound care materials, and implantable devices. Across these seemingly different applications, a common principle emerges: When interfaces dictate performance, we should design materials with the interfaces in mind.

Bio:

Shudipto Dishari is the Ross McCollum Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). Dishari completed her post-doctoral training at Penn State, working at Materials Science and Engineering, and Chemical Engineering, and earned her PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from the National University of Singapore (NUS). Her research centers on the design of synthetic, bio-derived and nature-inspired polymers, with particular emphasis on interfacial and confined-state phenomena. These materials are central to advancing sustainable energy and biomedical systems. Dishari’s contributions in research, teaching, and innovation have been recognized with numerous awards, including the DOE Office of Science Early Career Award (2019), NSF CAREER Award (2018), ACS Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering (ACS PMSE) Young Investigator Award (2023), 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award (2021), ACS-CES Award for incorporating Sustainability in Chemistry Education (2026), ASEE Midwest Outstanding Teaching Award (2024), ASEE National Best Paper Award (2025), WEPAN Accelerator Award (2022), NUTech Emerging Innovator of the Year Award (2020), and Baxter Young Investigator Award (2014). Beyond her research and teaching, Dishari has held many leadership roles within the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Materials Engineering and Science Division (MESD)—including MESD 2nd Vice-Chair (leading to Chair) (2025-), Area 08A (Polymers) Chair-Elect and Vice Chair—, the ACS Division of Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering (PMSE) Executive Committee Member (2025-), and an Executive Guest Editor of Polymer (Elsevier) (2026-).