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.
Graphene Integrated Functional Technologies (GIFT) Research
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.

Liquid Phase Exfoliation of Graphene
Researchers at the Graphene/GIFT Research Cluster are developing scalable production methods for production of graphene through graphite exfoliation from graphite.
Research Faculty
Names | Rank | Contact |
---|---|---|
![]() Dominik P.J. Barz |
Associate Professor | dominik.barz@queensu.ca Dupuis Hall 213 613-533-6000 ext. 79470 |
Professor | docoslis@queensu.ca Dupuis Hall 208 613-533-6949 |
|
![]() Marianna Kontopoulou |
Professor | marianna.kontopoulou@queensu.ca Dupuis Hall 207 613-533-3079 |
![]() Louise Meunier |
Assistant Professor | louise.meunier@queensu.ca Dupuis Hall 211 613-533-6000 ext. 78048 |
![]() Brant A. Peppley |
Professor | brant.peppley@queensu.ca Dupuis Hall G09 613-533-3247/547-6700 |
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. Researchers use state-of-the-art instrumentation and models to provide fundamental insight into the molecular and bulk physical properties of polymers used to design novel materials.

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
Names | Rank | Contact |
---|---|---|
![]() Brian Amsden |
Professor | brian.amsden@queensu.ca BioSci 4632 613-533-3093 |
![]() Michael F. Cunningham |
Professor | michael.cunningham@queensu.ca Dupuis Hall 315 613-533-2782 |
![]() Jeffrey Giacomin |
Professor | giacomin@queensu.ca Dupuis Hall 314 613-533-2768 |
![]() Robin Hutchinson |
Professor | robin.hutchinson@queensu.ca Dupuis Hall 426 613-533-3097 |
![]() Scott Parent |
Professor | scott.parent@queensu.ca Dupuis Hall 409 613-533-6266 |
![]() |
Professor | kim.mcauley@queensu.ca Dupuis Hall G11 613-533-6000 ext. 77973 |
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
Names | Rank | Contact |
---|---|---|
![]() Aris Docoslis |
Professor | docoslis@queensu.ca Dupuis Hall 208 613-533-6949 |
![]() Carlos Escobedo |
Associate Professor | carlos.escobedo@queensu.ca Dupuis Hall 209 613-533-3095 |
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 | Rank | Contact |
---|---|---|
![]() Dominik P.J. Barz |
Associate Professor | dominik.barz@queensu.ca Dupuis Hall 213 613-533-6000 ext. 79470 |