The Materials and Interfaces research group combines an industrial focus with a commitment to understanding underlying research problems from a fundamental physico-chemical perspective. Complementary research interests are driving the development of leading-edge materials, as well as efficient and robust manufacturing processes.
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Graphene Integrated Functional Technologies (GIFT) Research
Liquid Phase Exfoliation of Graphene
Emerging strengths include graphene-based technologies and application, such as super-hydrophobic coatings, electrically conductive graphene/polymer composites, the formulation of graphene inks, the printing of electrochemical energy devices (supercapacitors, battery components) and graphene-based sensors.
Researchers at the Graphene/GIFT Research Cluster are developing scalable production methods for production of graphene through graphite exfoliation from graphite.
Research Faculty
|
Associate Professor dominik.barz@queensu.ca |
 Aris Docoslis |
Professor docoslis@queensu.ca |
 Marianna Kontopoulou |
Professor marianna.kontopoulou@queensu.ca |
|
 Louise Meunier |
Associate Professor louise.meunier@queensu.ca |
 Brant A. Peppley |
Professor brant.peppley@queensu.ca |
Polymer Science and Technology
The department has a particularly strong research concentration in macromolecular science and technology, with research expertise spanning the entire range of polymer science and engineering, from polymer reaction chemistry and engineering, to chemical modification, processing and rheology of polymers and polymer nanocomposites. Centralized state-of-the-art instrumentation provides fundamental insight into the molecular and bulk physical properties of polymers needed to design novel materials and optimize their properties.
Photo: Molecular coordinates installed on a center-beaded regular tetrahedral (4-arm star) star. Steacy Coombs, PhD Candidate
Expertise in biopolymers and biomaterials includes hydrogels, scaffold material for tissue regeneration, encapsulation of bioactive materials and bio-based/biodegradable polymers.
Research Faculty
|
Professor brian.amsden@queensu.ca |
 Michael F. Cunningham |
Professor michael.cunningham@queensu.ca |
 Robin Hutchinson |
Professor robin.hutchinson@queensu.ca |
|
 Scott Parent |
Professor scott.parent@queensu.ca |
Professor kim.mcauley@queensu.ca |
Bio-based Polymers
Production of bio-sourced or natural polymers as alternatives to non-sustainable products derived from petrochemicals is a rapidly accelerating trend, but must be economically viable and sustainable for widespread commercialization. Researchers are working to develop new, more efficient ways for making materials comprised mostly or entirely of renewable materials, for example bioplastics from relatively inexpensive and renewable resources such as glucose derived from starch or cellulose and fatty acids from vegetable oils.
Research Faculty
| Michael F. Cunningham |
Professor michael.cunningham@queensu.ca |
Professor marianna.kontopoulou@queensu.ca |
Bio/Chemical Sensor Development
Researchers are developing nanostructured (bio)chemical sensors, nanonstructured hybrid metal/graphene sensors, as well as lab-on-a-chip devices. Major research strengths include microfluidics for studying cells at the single-microorganism level, electrokinetics, nanoplasmonics, electrochemistry, and interfacial and transport phenomena.
Research Faculty
 Carlos Escobedo |
Professor carlos.escobedo@queensu.ca |
Professor docoslis@queensu.ca |
Energy Storage
Photo: Printing of Graphene supercapacitor electrodes
Related research areas include metallic and hybrid metal/2D-material nanostructures, portable and wearable sensors, miniaturized energy storage applications (micro-batteries) and directed nanoparticle assembly into functional structures and devices.
Research Faculty
| Names | Contact |
|---|---|
 Dominik P.J. Barz |
Associate Professor dominik.barz@queensu.ca |