On May 13–14, Chalmers University of Technology will inaugurate a state-of-the-art mass spectrometry instrument – a key component in Sweden’s national initiative for sustainable materials, the Wallenberg Initiative Material Science for Sustainability, WISE.
The inauguration offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into how the new instrument works, meet the researchers behind the project, attend seminars, join guided tours, and explore how advanced technology can help solve major sustainability challenges – from the energy transition to improving human health.
With the Bruker ScimaX MRMS MALDI, researchers will gain access to advanced chemical imaging that supports everything from greener batteries to more environmentally friendly plastics.
We had a chat with Per Malmberg, Associate Professor in Analytical Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, who shared more about the instrument’s capabilities – and why it matters.
Why is this particular instrument being inaugurated at Chalmers?
“This infrastructure – Chalmers Chemical Imaging – is likely the first research technology platform, RTP, to be inaugurated within the Wallenberg Initiative Material Science for Sustainability, WISE. The initiative aims to provide researchers in Sweden with access to advanced technologies and instrumentation to accelerate research and development of new sustainable materials. Thanks to funding from WISE, we’ve been able to build a lab equipped with a highly advanced mass spectrometer, an FT-ICR or MRMS, which offers unmatched precision and resolution in measuring molecular masses. The instrument is highly versatile and can be combined with several techniques such as MALDI, DART, or Electrospray.”
How can the instrument contribute to scientific breakthroughs or societal benefits?
“To discover and develop new sustainable materials, we need deep chemical understanding of how these materials are constructed at the molecular level. Our new instrument uses Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI) to identify and localize molecules, offering unique insight into a material’s properties. MSI enables us to study molecular phenomena on very small scales – at surfaces and interfaces – whether it involves polymers, batteries, organic electronics, paper, wood, or biomaterials.”
What can we expect during the inauguration?
“The inauguration will take place over two days. On May 13, starting around lunchtime, we will host a user meeting in collaboration with the manufacturer Bruker, focusing on providing insight into how the FT-ICR/MRMS works and how it can be applied in both materials science and life sciences. This is a great opportunity to dive deeper for those who want to learn more."
"On May 14, we will hold the official inauguration, which also includes the launch of our new NMR instrument at the Department of Chemistry. The event will include short technical presentations, talks by representatives from WISE and Chalmers Chemistry, a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, and informal mingling with canapés and non-alcoholic sparkling drinks. Of course, there will also be an opportunity to tour the new lab.”
Who can use the new instrument?
“The instrument is available to all researchers within the WISE initiative, but also to other researchers and companies across Sweden.”
Who is welcome to the inauguration?
"Everyone interested in learning more about the development of sustainable materials and advanced mass spectrometry is warmly welcome. These instruments are the first to become available within the Chalmers Chemical Analysis Laboratory, part of the university's chemistry infrastructure. Here, new opportunities arise for researchers and collaborators to explore materials and molecules with exceptional precision."
To get in touch with us and find out more, visit: chalmers.se/chemicalimaging
