CII-A Research and Technology Platform Growing Faster Than Expected

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Picture: Per Malmberg, scientist in charge for CII at Chalmers University of Technology. Picture credit: Luleå University of Technology.

Instead, everything accelerated. “From day one, everything moved faster than we dared to hope,” says Per Malmberg, Associate Professor at Chalmers University and scientist in charge of the WISE RTP. A smooth tendering process meant they could secure more advanced instruments than planned, and the manufacturer’s support allowed the lab to start operation almost immediately after commissioning. We have talked to the scientist in charge for the WISE RTP CII at Chalmers University

“I thought it would take time to attract users, but the opposite happened.”, continues Per Malmberg. Today, more than 50 licensed users run the instruments independently, and the team has supported a wide range of research groups across the WISE community. Several companies have already approached the platform for contract work, expanding its real‑world relevance with respect to materials for a sustainable future.

A Wide Range of Research

The CII WISE RTP now supports projects from chemical reaction verification to polymer analysis and high‑resolution surface imaging. One unexpected highlight was a collaboration with researchers in Oslo studying tire and road‑wear particles. “Our chemical profiling helped identify emission sources, a perfect example of how far‑reaching the platform can be and at the same time relevant for sustainability,” he explains.

Growing Networks and New Capabilities

Collaboration with other WISE RTPs is increasing, with shared samples and complementary analyses becoming more common. Meanwhile, constant technical development is expanding the capabilities of the platform. A recent breakthrough was a unique sample holder enabling MALDI analysis directly on silicon wafers, allowing new molecular‑level insights.

However, powerful equipment brings challenges. The MALDI FT‑ICR, cooled with liquid helium, is extremely sensitive to power loss. “Last summer’s outages came uncomfortably close to quenching the magnet,” he says. New backup power solutions are being installed to protect this critical infrastructure.

Impact Across Disciplines

With its unique mix of instruments, the platform is quickly becoming a go‑to resource across materials science, health research, and environmental studies. “The insights we’re gaining here are directly helping us improve the stability and performance of next‑generation organic solar cells,” says Jessica Bair, Doctoral Student in Applied Chemistry at Chalmers University of Technology.

Looking Back

One moment stands out: securing a far more advanced FT‑ICR instrument than originally expected. “That upgrade dramatically expanded our analytical capabilities,” he reflects. The launch event also made a strong impression. “It set exactly the tone we hoped for.”

Would they change anything?
“Honestly, not much. The early momentum shaped what the platform has become.”