1. Research Excellence
  2. Leaders in Metal Coating Research

Leaders in Metal Coating Research

From microscopic metal atoms to massive transportation infrastructure, our researchers are redefining what’s possible in carbon-metal coatings, surface chemistry, and materials science. Their work is inspiring the next generation of scientists while enabling resilient infrastructure, advanced microchip manufacturing, and safer precision therapeutics.

Our interdisciplinary team of global research leaders are uncovering how metals behave at the atomic scale and creating coatings that prevent oxidation, improve durability, and drive innovation at the nano, micro, and macro scales.

 

Extending the lifespan of metals

What began as fundamental questions about how molecules bind to metal surfaces has led Cathleen Crudden to a breakthrough in protecting metals from oxidation using an ultra-thin carbon layer. Her discoveries in carbon-metal coatings are now shaping the future of corrosion-resistant materials, earning her the 2023 NSERC Polanyi Award.

[three student researchers in Crudden lab]

"[Research] is about taking chances, being bold, trying something new, and not being afraid to be wrong or admit you don’t know something."

Cathleen Crudden,
Interviewed by Queen’s Alumni Review

In January 2022, Dr. Cathy Crudden received $24 million from the Government of Canada's New Frontiers In Research Fund to create coatings that could preserve metals against deterioration.

Carbon to Metal Coating Institute

Advancing corrosion-resistant metals and precision nanotechnology

The Carbon to Metal Coating Institute (C2MCI) at Queen’s brings together international, interdisciplinary teams to develop carbon-based coatings that stabilize and protect metals across all length scales.

From transportation and energy infrastructure to microelectronics and precision therapeutics, C2MCI’s innovations open new possibilities in manufacturing, green energy, and biomedical technologies.

Carbon to Metal Coating Institute

From nanoscience to biomedicine: a new approach to fighting cancer

C2MCI researchers led by Cathleen Crudden use carbene-coated gold nanoclusters to target and destroy cancer cells with light, advancing biomedical and materials science research.

Sparkling results in nanoscience

Improving efficiency in molecular design

Quantum chemistry and machine learning can make molecular design faster, scalable, and cheaper, so scientists can create entirely novel molecules with the specific characteristics they need.

Advancing molecular design

Accelerating carbon-metal coating research

A major federal investment is advancing carbon coating research at Queen’s, supporting C2MCI’s work on corrosion resistance, metal oxidation control, and durable materials for infrastructure and industry.

Pioneering Queen’s chemistry research gets $24M boost
[Cathleen Crudden in a lab]

Cathleen Crudden

is developing ultra-thin carbon coatings that bond to metal surfaces and protect them from oxidation and corrosion.

Crudden faculty profile
[Chantelle Capicciotti]

Chantelle Capicciotti

is applying chemo-enzymatic synthesis and chemical biology to develop tools that support carbon-coating for biomedical and disease applications.

Capicciotti faculty profile
[Taleana Huff]

Taleana Huff

is using atomic-scale microscopy and surface characterization to design carbon-coated materials for quantum applications and precise nanoscale manufacturing.

Huff faculty profile
[Kevin Stamplecoskie]

Kevin Stamplecoskie

is engineering metal clusters with tailored properties to advance carbon-coated materials for biomedical imaging, photonics, and cancer-targeted therapies.

Stamplecoskie faculty profile
[Farnaz Heidar-Zadeh]

Farnaz Heidar-Zadeh

is combining quantum chemistry and machine learning to computationally design molecules that inform carbon-coating research and advanced materials applications.

Heidar-Zadeh faculty profile
[Zhe She]

Zhe She

is advancing materials for corrosion protection, environmental monitoring, and water-quality applications.

She faculty profile