From microscopic metal atoms to massive transportation infrastructure, our researchers are redefining what鈥檚 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/sites/vp2www/files/uploaded_images/metals/Crudden-Lab-Students-w.jpg)
"[Research] is about taking chances, being bold, trying something new, and not being afraid to be wrong or admit you don鈥檛 know something."
Cathleen Crudden,
Interviewed by Queen鈥檚 Alumni Review
Carbon to Metal Coating Institute
Advancing corrosion-resistant metals and precision nanotechnology
The Carbon to Metal Coating Institute (C2MCI) at Queen鈥檚 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鈥檚 innovations open new possibilities in manufacturing, green energy, and biomedical technologies.
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 nanoscienceImproving 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 designAccelerating carbon-metal coating research
A major federal investment is advancing carbon coating research at Queen鈥檚, supporting C2MCI鈥檚 work on corrosion resistance, metal oxidation control, and durable materials for infrastructure and industry.
Pioneering Queen鈥檚 chemistry research gets $24M boostCathleen Crudden
is developing ultra-thin carbon coatings that bond to metal surfaces and protect them from oxidation and corrosion.
Chantelle Capicciotti
is applying chemo-enzymatic synthesis and chemical biology to develop tools that support carbon-coating for biomedical and disease applications.
Taleana Huff
is using atomic-scale microscopy and surface characterization to design carbon-coated materials for quantum applications and precise nanoscale manufacturing.
Kevin Stamplecoskie
is engineering metal clusters with tailored properties to advance carbon-coated materials for biomedical imaging, photonics, and cancer-targeted therapies.
Farnaz Heidar-Zadeh
is combining quantum chemistry and machine learning to computationally design molecules that inform carbon-coating research and advanced materials applications.
Zhe She
is advancing materials for corrosion protection, environmental monitoring, and water-quality applications.