The technologies underpinning modern life – from advanced electronics and electric vehicles to medical devices – rely on a deep understanding of materials at the nanoscale. Now, the Canadian Centre for Electron Microscopy (CCEM) at McMaster University is poised to significantly expand its capabilities in this critical field, thanks to a $15.5 million grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). This investment will bolster Canada’s position in the semiconductor value chain and drive innovation across a range of industries.
Researchers at CCEM are focused on characterizing materials – including critical minerals and next-generation semiconductors – at resolutions down to fractions of a nanometre. This allows them to understand the relationship between a material’s atomic structure and its real-world performance, a capability crucial for developing new technologies and improving existing ones. The new funding will enhance the centre’s ability to analyze materials in both two and three dimensions, linking atomic-scale chemistry to device behaviour.
“This investment strengthens Canada’s leadership in the semiconductor value chain,” said CCEM Scientific Director Nabil Bassim, a professor of Materials Science, and Engineering. “It enhances technological sovereignty and supports internationally competitive research that benefits our economy.”
Unlocking Critical Mineral Potential
Canada is rich in critical minerals – nickel, cobalt, gallium, tellurium, and antimony – essential for advanced manufacturing. However, efficiently extracting and refining these resources requires understanding how trace elements are distributed within ores. CCEM is collaborating with the Royal Ontario Museum and the University of Toronto to characterize mineral samples from regions abundant in these elements. By examining specimens from the ROM’s mineral collection, researchers are mapping microstructures and trace-element distributions at the nanoscale to identify promising sources and improve processing strategies. This perform directly supports Canada’s critical minerals strategy, particularly as global competition for these resources intensifies.
Advancing Semiconductor and Quantum Technologies
Beyond raw materials, CCEM is playing a vital role in advancing semiconductor research, a cornerstone of Canada’s digital and quantum economy. Researchers perform whole-chip imaging and device-level analysis to understand how semiconductors function and fail. They are also investigating emerging materials, including two-dimensional (2D) materials and platforms designed for quantum and dual-use applications. By correlating atomic structure with device performance, they can diagnose defects and optimize fabrication strategies, accelerating innovation in this rapidly evolving field. Bassim emphasized that “Very few facilities can link atomic structure directly to device functionality the way we can,” opening doors to new Canadian innovations.
Closing the Loop on Electronic Waste
With the new infrastructure, CCEM researchers are tackling the growing challenge of electronic waste. Modern electronics contain significant concentrations of valuable critical elements, but these are often discarded when devices reach the end of their life. CCEM is applying advanced microscopy to understand how these elements are distributed within complex electronic assemblies, aiming to develop more efficient recovery and recycling strategies. This circular recovery approach reduces environmental impact and strengthens domestic supply chains, contributing to a more sustainable materials strategy.
CCEM’s leadership in advanced microscopy stems from decades of investment in world-class instrumentation. The centre was the first in Canada to introduce aberration-corrected microscopy, a breakthrough that dramatically improved resolution by correcting distortions in electron lenses. Today, over 500 researchers from academia, government, and industry use the facility annually, with data generated at CCEM contributing to an average of over 110 peer-reviewed journal articles each year.
The $15.5 million CFI investment builds on this foundation, ensuring Canada remains internationally competitive in advanced materials research. From characterizing mineral samples to advancing quantum-ready semiconductors and recovering valuable elements from electronic waste, CCEM’s work spans the entire lifecycle of critical materials. This integrated approach connects atomic-scale insight to national priorities in economic resilience, technological sovereignty, and sustainable innovation.
As materials performance increasingly defines the future, understanding what lies beneath the surface will be paramount. At CCEM, that understanding begins at the smallest possible scale, shaping the technologies of tomorrow. “Investing in microscopy is investing in the future,” Bassim concluded. “With continued support, we can ensure that Canada remains at the forefront of scientific discovery and technological innovation.”
The Canadian Centre for Electron Microscopy’s expanded capabilities promise to be a key driver of materials science innovation in Canada for years to reach. Further developments in this field will likely focus on refining recovery processes for critical minerals and accelerating the development of next-generation semiconductor technologies.
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